Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Written by August Wilson
Directed by Ron OJ Parson
This visceral American classic serves as the 1920s chapter of August Wilson's epic American Century Cycle. What begins as a routine recording session becomes more strained as tensions rise between the members of a blues band and the owners of the recording studio. The white producers mean to exploit the talents of the band—especially the gifted and impulsive Levee—but when Ma insists on having things her way, tensions are enflamed and the play builds to an unexpected and searing climax.
About the Play
Inspired by the real-life Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, this groundbreaking work is the only one of American icon August Wilson’s plays to be set in Chicago. Directed by WT Resident Director Ron OJ Parson (East Texas Hot Links, The Caretaker, The Old Settler), Ma Rainey will envelop you in a vision of the Roaring Twenties defined by Wilson’s remarkably beautiful language and an extraordinary dramatic conflict between ambition, desperation and love for The Blues.
Recommended for ages 13+ for strong language and violence.
Watch the Trailer
Showtimes
Evenings
Tuesdays – Saturdays 7:30pm
select Sundays at 6pm
Matinees
Saturdays 3pm
select Sundays at 2pm
select Wednesdays at 3pm
- This is a reserved seat venue. Doors to the performance space will open approximately 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the performance.
- There is no late seating or readmittance.
- For performances listed as “Sold Out,” contact the Box Office for more information about our standby and wait list options as well as for assistance locating currently available dates and times.
Meet the Artists
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David Alan Anderson* (Toledo) |
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Thomas J. Cox* (Sturdyvant) |
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Felicia P. Fields* (Ma Rainey) |
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Jalen Gilbert (Sylvester) |
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Tiffany Renee Johnson (Dussie Mae) |
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Blake Montgomery (Policeman, u/s Irvin, Sturdyvant) |
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Peter Moore (Irvin) |
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Kelvin Roston, Jr.* (Levee) |
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A.C. Smith* (Slow Drag) |
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Alfred H. Wilson* (Cutler) |
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Willie B. (u/s Culter, Slow Drag) |
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Jacob Baim |
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debrah neal (u/s Ma Rainey) |
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Terence Sims (u/s Levee, Sylvester) |
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Darian Tene (u/s Dussie Mae) |
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Henri Watkins (u/s Toledo) |
August Wilson (Playwright)
Ron OJ Parson (Director)
Todd Rosenthal (Scenic Designer)
Myrna Colley-Lee (Costume Designer)
Jared Gooding (Lighting Designer)
Ray Nardelli (Sound Designer)
Rachel Watson (Properties Master)
Regina Victor (Dramaturg)
Joe Foust (Fight Director)
Sasha Smith (Intimacy Director)
Am'Ber Montgomery (Assistant Director)
Abigail Medrano (Assistant Stage Manager)
Rebecca Pechter* (Production Stage Manager)
*Denotes a member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers
Reviews
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
"Director Ron OJ Parson has orchestrated the voices of his exceptional cast to perfection!”
WTTW
RECOMMENDED!
"A rich and complex performance here by no less than Felicia P. Fields, a Tony nominee for “The Color Purple!”
Chicago Tribune
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
“A masterwork for both its author and its director!”
Chicago Onstage
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Ma Rainey...does not disappoint!”
Picture This Post
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
"One of the best ensembles of the year!”
Around the Town Chicago
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
"This play is a powerful juggernaut!”
Chicago Now
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
"Parson and his cast at Writers have done this titanic work real justice!”
Third Coast Review
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
“A stunning revival!”
Picks in Six
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
A superb ensemble of Chicago area talent!”
Buzz
Special Events
Save the dates for these special events!
Accessible Performances
Open-Captioned performance: Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 7:30pm
I LIVE IN MUSIC
Friday, March 1 at 3pm
Hosted by Kohl Children’s Museum | 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview
“i live in music / is this where you live?” Join us at Kohl Children’s Museum for a free interactive From Page to Stage / Storytime event with WT Director of Education Kelsey Chigas and the Museum’s Director of Visitor Experience Vito Gioia! Come and dive into the poetry of i live in music by Ntozake Shange and Romare Bearden, and discover the immersive experience of a musical life. Presented in partnership with August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at Writers Theatre, exploring ambition, desperation and love for The Blues. All ages welcome; recommended for young people age 0-8.
Sunday Spotlight:
IMPROVISING ON A THEME - TALKING ABOUT THE BLUES
Sunday, March 3, 2019 at 11:30am
Join us for a dynamic discussion with members of Chicago’s own Ken Allison & The Twist Blues Band! Inspired by the bandmembers’ candid reflections on the music industry, history and navigating life as artists of color in August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, dramaturg Regina Victor will moderate this round table event with Ken and others. Come listen in as they talk about their own musical careers, Chicago’s blues scene and what aspects of the industry have changed (or not) since Ma Rainey’s time.
Click here for a sample of Ken’s music! Seating is limited. RSVP is required.
Post-Show Conversation: The Word
Join us after every Tuesday evening performance (excluding First Week and any extension weeks) for a 15-minute discussion of the play, facilitated by a member of the WT Artistic Team.
Post-Show Conversation: The Artist
Join us after every Wednesday evening performance (excluding First Week and any extension weeks) for a 15-minute talk-back featuring actors from the production, facilitated by a member of the WT Artistic Team.
Pre-Show Conversation: Up Close
Join us at 6:45pm in the Atrium before every Thursday evening performance (excluding First Week and any extension weeks) for a 15-minute primer on the context and content of the play, facilitated by a member of the WT Artistic Team.
MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM Pre-Production
MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM First Rehearsal
MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM
MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM - Interview with Ron OJ Parson
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