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Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

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.


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Review: MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM at Arts Centric
by Timoth David Copney - Apr 20, 2025


Arts Centric is taking their turn at bat with a presentation of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom now playing through April 27th, 2025. Read our full review of the production here!

The Ritz Theatre Company to Present August Wilson's MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM This Month
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 6, 2023


Don't miss the riveting production of August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom at The Ritz Theatre Company. Explore themes of rage, racism, self-hatred, and exploitation in this powerful drama.

DESTINY OF DESIRE, Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, to Round Out Guthrie Theater's 2021–2022 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 27, 2021


The Guthrie Theater, in association with The Foxboro Company, today announced that Destiny of Desire will complete its 2021–2022 Season. Prior to an anticipated 2022 Broadway run produced by The Foxboro Company, the Guthrie is pleased to produce Destiny of Desire for its audiences.

Student Blog: Broadway Takes Hollywood
by Student Blogger: Anna Demaria - Apr 23, 2021


From the Great White Way to the Silver Screen, these artists have careers that span both the stage and screen. Today we are delving into the Broadway careers of six performers who are nominated for the 2021 Academy Awards.

Who Won At the SAG AWARDS? See the Full List of Winners Here!
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Apr 4, 2021


Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman were also honored with nominations for their roles in the film adaptation of August Wilson's 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom'; the whole ensemble cast was also nominated in the aforementioned cast category.

Virtual Theatre Today: Monday, February 15- with Laura Osnes, Patrick Page and More!
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 15, 2021


Today (February 15) in live streaming: Laura Osnes sings with Seth Rudetsky, Josh Groban in concert, and more!

ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI, MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM Nominated for CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Feb 8, 2021


The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced today the film nominees for the 26th annual Critics Choice Awards.  The winners will be revealed LIVE on The CW on Sunday, March 7, 2021 from 7-10pm ET/PT, with acclaimed film, television, and stage star Taye Diggs returning to host for his third consecutive time. 

Krysta Rodriguez, Lynn Nottage, Robyn Hurder and More to Join LIVE AT THE LORTEL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 29, 2021


The upcoming guest lineup has been announced for the “Live at The Lortel” virtual conversation series. In February, fans can listen to conversations with actress Krysta Rodriguez (February 1), drag artist and political activist Marti Cummings (February 8), actor Michael Potts (February 15), playwright Lynn Nottage (February 22).

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 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.

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.

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.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom History

Other Productions of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

1984   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2003   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - 1984 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners are highlighted with a background.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom — awards and nominations
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play Charles S. Dutton
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Play August Wilson
1985 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Play August Wilson
1985 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play Charles S. Dutton
1985 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play Theresa Merritt
1985 Tony Awards Best Play Ivan Bloch
1985 Tony Awards Best Play Robert Cole
1985 Tony Awards Best Play Frederick M. Zollo

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