Ma Rainey's Black Bottom 1984 - Articles Page 2

Opened: October 11, 1984
Closing: June 09, 1985

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - 1984 - Broadway History , Info & More

Blues diva Ma Rainey and her band have come to a Chicago studio to cut a record, but their artistic differences nearly stop the session before it starts. Full of unforgettable characters and the raw power of the blues, this 1920s installment of Wilson's groundbreaking cycle of plays confronts the issues of race, fame, and generational divides through the rhythms of the African-American South.



August Wilson (1945-2005) The most-produced African-American playwright of all time, August Wilson was a self-taught writer whose distinctive style combined poeticism and everyday slang. The plays of his remarkable Pittsburgh Cycle chronicled the black experience in America in every decade of the 20thcentury, winning two Pulitzer Prizes and redefining African-American storytelling for a generation of theatergoers.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - 1984 - Broadway Cast

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Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - 1984 - Broadway Articles Page 2

Five 2021 London Shows We Can't Wait To See
by Matt Wolf - Jan 10, 2021


In the spirit of eternal optimism, here is a handful of London show titles promised for the year ahead that have us giddy with anticipation to be in a playhouse once again.

BWW Interview: Ruben Santiago-Hudson Talks Adapting MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, Chadwick Boseman and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 13, 2020


The screen adaptation of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom was brought to life by the legendary Ruben Santiago-Hudson, whose connection to August Wilson spans from the personal to professional - not only was he a close friend of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, but Santiago-Hudson has established himself as a key interpreter of Wilson's work.

Chadwick Boseman Will Be Submitted as Leading Actor for MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Oct 21, 2020


Chadwick Boseman will be submitted to awards shows posthumously as a leading actor for his role in 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom,' the upcoming film adaptation of August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play.

PLAY OF THE DAY! Today's Play: MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM by August Wilson
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 13, 2020


During this time when productions all over the world have been put on pause, we are coming together to celebrate plays that have left their mark on theater history.

BWW Exclusive: The 101 GREATEST PLAYS of the Past 100 Years (1920-2020)
by Peter Nason - Apr 7, 2020


BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the greatest theatrical works (non-musical) from 1920-2020; see if your favorites made the list!

BWW Interview: Carl Hendrick Louis in August Wilson's RADIO GOLF at Two River Theater 2/29 to 3/22
by Marina Kennedy - Feb 28, 2020


This season, Two River continues its commitment to produce all 10 plays of August Wilson's American Century Cycle with Brandon Dirden's production of 'Radio Golf,' the sixth play in the Cycle produced at the theater. Broadwayworld.com had the pleasure of interviewing Carl Hendrick Louis who plays Harmond Wilks in the show.

Michael Potts and Jennifer Sánchez to Perform Love Poetry in LET LIGHTNING SET US ON FIRE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 30, 2020


Emotive Fruition (Artistic Director, Thomas Dooley) has announced a live poetry event, LET LIGHTNING SET US ON FIRE, a one-night-only staged reading celebrating Valentine's Day with dramatic poems of modern love.

See Which Notable Actors Have Starred in Past Productions of A SOLDIER'S PLAY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 22, 2020


A Soldier's Play officially opened on Broadway on January 21 for a limited engagement at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway (227 West 42nd Street).

Meet the Cast of A SOLDIER'S PLAY - Now in Previews on Broadway!
by Meet the Cast - Dec 27, 2019


A Soldier's Play is officially in previews on Broadway! A Soldier's Play opens officially on January 21, 2020. This is a limited engagement at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway (227 West 42nd Street). It stars David Alan Grier, Blair Underwood, Nnamdi Asomugha, Jerry O'Connell, McKinley Belcher III, Rob Demery, Jared Grimes, Billy Eugene Jones, Nate Mann, Warner Miller, J. Alphonse Nicholson and Lee Aaron Rosen.

Multi Ethnic Theater Stages August Wilson's MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 9, 2019


Multi Ethnic Theater (MET) will present August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, August 7 - September 1, at The Costume Shop 1117 Market Street, San Francisco, just a few steps from the Civic Center BART station.  The play is directed by Lewis Campbell, with Susie Butler as Ma Rainey.

Taylour Paige, Jonny Coyne, and More Join MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM Netflix Adaptation
by Stephi Wild - Jul 8, 2019


According to Deadline, additional casting has been announced for the upcoming Netflix adaptation of the August Wilson play Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

Netflix to Adapt August Wilson's Play MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM Starring Viola Davis
by Kaitlin Milligan - Jun 19, 2019


Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo and Michael Potts are set to star in the Netflix film adaptation of August Wilson's play Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

English Touring Theatre Announces Autumn 2019 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 22, 2019


With the critically-acclaimed Equus and The Funeral Director currently touring the UK, English Touring Theatre today announces the full tour dates for its Autumn 2019 Season. The company, in a co-production with Royal & Derngate, present the revival of August Wilson's Two Trains Running directed by the 2018 winner of the RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award, Nancy Medina. Then, in a co-production with Sheffield Theatres, they present the world premiere stage adaptation of Matt Haig's Reasons to Stay Alive.

LUMBERYARD Announces Grand Opening And Fall-Winter Programming
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 8, 2018


LUMBERYARD today announces the September 1 grand opening of its $8.2 million, state-of-the-art center for performing arts and film in Catskill, NY, and the fall season programming that will inaugurate the new facility. LUMBERYARD's heralded Hudson Valley campus will make transformative contributions both to the cultural landscape and economic health of the region and to the field of contemporary performance in New York City and the U.S. by bringing a wide range of renowned and emerging artists to Catskill for out-of-town premieres, often incubated through LUMBERYARD's signature technical residencies.

ROMEO AND JULIET Return to DC For Annual Free For All
by Julie Musbach - Jun 13, 2018


Free For All, one of the capital's cherished annual traditions, will return this summer to Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC), offering two weeks of free performances of the Company's 2016 production of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. Directed by STC Associate Artistic Director Alan Paul, whose hit production of Camelot has extended through July 8 due to popular demand, the production will run at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F St NW) from August 21-September 2, providing more than 12,000 people the chance to see the play free of charge.

BWW Review: MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM is pitch perfect at Ensemble Theatre
by Brett Cullum - May 18, 2018


There is no other company in Houston that is better equipped to handle his material, and this production cements that with ease. It is presented with a casual decadence that perfectly captures the world of the black American musician during this time.

Round House Theatre Continues 2017-2018 Season With Athol Fugard's 'MASTER HAROLD' ...AND THE BOYS
by Julie Musbach - Apr 2, 2018


Round House Theatre continues its 2017-2018 Season with Athol Fugard's "Master Harold"… and the Boys, directed by Artistic Director Ryan Rilette. "Master Harold"… and the Boys runs from April 11 - May 6, 2018. Press night is Monday, April 16, 2018. Please see below for complete program details and ticket information. 

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK Comes to People's Light
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 1, 2018


Building on the Blaine County School District's mission of inspiring, engaging, educating and empowering every student, Company of Fools announces the 21st year of Stages of Wonder-an in-school dramatic arts program that has served as the theatre curriculum in local elementary schools since 1997.

Tony Nominee Louis Zorich Passes Away at 93
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 1, 2018


According to the Daily News, stage and screen star Louis Zorich passed away earlier this week. He was 93 years old.

Michael Urie-Led HAMLET Finds Full Cast at Shakespeare Theatre Company
by BWW News Desk - Jan 16, 2018


The Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) announces the cast and creative team for Hamlet, directed by STC Artistic Director Michael Kahn and featuring acclaimed actor Michael Urie as the tortured Danish prince. Shakespeare's most celebrated tragedy will run January 16-February 25, 2018 at Sidney Harman Hall.

Michael Urie-Led HAMLET Finds Full Cast at Shakespeare Theatre Company
by BWW News Desk - Nov 7, 2017


The Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) announces the cast and creative team for Hamlet, directed by STC Artistic Director Michael Kahn and featuring acclaimed actor Michael Urie as the tortured Danish prince. Shakespeare's most celebrated tragedy will run January 16-February 25, 2018 at Sidney Harman Hall.

August Wilson's TWO TRAINS RUNNING Returns to JPAC This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - Nov 3, 2017


The Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation, Andrea J. Fulton, Founder & Producer, in association with the Jamaica Performing Arts Center/JPAC, proudly presents the return of August Wilson's TWO TRAINS RUNNING.

August Wilson's TWO TRAINS RUNNING Returns to JPAC Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Nov 3, 2017


The Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation, Andrea J. Fulton, Founder & Producer, in association with the Jamaica Performing Arts Center/JPAC, presents the return of August Wilson's TWO TRAINS RUNNING. Ms. Fulton first presented TWO TRAINS RUNNING in the summer of 2016 as a free community offering to 40-seat audiences in Bed-Stuy's Fulton and Von King Parks as part of 'August in August,' an arts initiative created by the Fulton Foundation in partnership with Joseph Grant, Jr., the Arts and Cultural Ambassador of Councilman Robert E. Cornegy, Jr.'s Office in the 36th District in Brooklyn. Scroll down for a look at that production!

August Wilson's TWO TRAINS RUNNING to Return to JPAC This Fall
by BWW News Desk - Oct 13, 2017


The Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation, Andrea J. Fulton, Founder & Producer, in association with the Jamaica Performing Arts Center/JPAC, presents the return of August Wilson's TWO TRAINS RUNNING. Ms. Fulton first presented TWO TRAINS RUNNING in the summer of 2016 as a free community offering to 40-seat audiences in Bed-Stuy's Fulton and Von King Parks as part of 'August in August,' an arts initiative created by the Fulton Foundation in partnership with Joseph Grant, Jr., the Arts and Cultural Ambassador of Councilman Robert E. Cornegy, Jr.'s Office in the 36th District in Brooklyn. Scroll down for a look at that production!

BWW Review: Art and Business Clash in MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM
by Perry Tannenbaum - Apr 7, 2017


The ugly spectacle of art being turned into money is very much at the heart of MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, but there's also an upstairs-downstairs conflict brewing.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom have there been?
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom has had 4 productions including Broadway which opened in 1984, Broadway which opened in 1984, Broadway which opened in 2003 and Broadway which opened in 2003.
What Tony Awards has Ma Rainey's Black Bottom been nominated for?
Best Play , , .
What awards has Ma Rainey's Black Bottom been nominated for?
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom has been nominated for several awards. It was nominated for Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and for Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for August Wilson.
What awards has Ma Rainey's Black Bottom won?
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom has won several awards, including Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for August Wilson.

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