Next From Pittsburgh Playwrights

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Photo by Duane Rieder

By August Wilson
Featuring Vanessa German as Ma Rainey
Directed by Mark Clayton Southers
Part of the August Wilson Center’s Highmark Blues and Heritage Festival
Extended! Sept. 14th through Oct. 14th 2018
At Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre

Set during a single afternoon in the recording studio of the famous blues singer Ma Rainey, this classic is the first of Wilson’s ten-play American Century Cycle, now considered a staple of American theater. A collaboration between the August Wilson Center and Mark Clayton Southers of the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company. Just added: performances through October 14th!

“Wonderful performances and powerful scenes”
– Chris Rawson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Previews: City Paper, New Pittsburgh Courier, Pittsburgh Current, Pittsburgh in the Round, KDKA video feature

Review: Post-Gazette

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With:

Vanessa German as Ma Rainey (through October 1st)
Jonathan Berry as Levee
Chuck Timbers as Cutler
Wali Jamal as Toledo
Sam Lothard as Slow Drag
Shakirah Stephens as Dussie Mae
Malic Williams as Sylvester
Mel Packer as Irvin
Mark Whitehead as Sturdyvant
Thomas Fuchel as Policeman
Roxie Robinson as Ma Rainey (from October 4th)
Shanita Bivins as Dussie Mae (understudy)

Starting October 4th, Roxie Robinson will portray Ma Rainey, Eric Eleam Jr will portray Sylvester, and Paul Guggenheimer will portray Policeman.

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miss-julie-boysPittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company is committed to developing and showcasing the works of local playwrights; from accomplished masters like August Wilson and George S. Kaufman to promising new talents.

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Our productions are also supported by:

And by:
The August Wilson Center-African American Cultural Center
The Opportunity Fund
Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh Fund

*Appears courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association