By August Wilson 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
“It’s extraordinary watching the exchange of energies and talent between them in exceptionally powerful performances.”
– Ted Hoover, Pittsburgh Current
“The city’s premier interpreter of August Wilson’s work … yet another searing and soulful production.”
– Brian Pope, Pittsburgh in the Round
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.
“Wonderful performances and powerful scenes”
– Chris Rawson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Vanessa German as Ma Rainey (through October 1st)Jonathan Berry as LeveeChuck Timbers as CutlerWali Jamal as ToledoSam Lothard as Slow DragShakirah Stephens as Dussie MaeMalic Williams as SylvesterMel Packer as IrvinMark Whitehead as SturdyvantThomas Fuchel as PolicemanRoxie Robinson as Ma Rainey (from October 4th)Shanita Bivins as Dussie Mae (understudy)
Starting October 4th, Roxie Robinson portrayed Ma Rainey, Eric Eleam Jr portrayed Sylvester, and Paul Guggenheimer portrayed Policeman.
Original music for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom composed by Dr. Nelson Harrison.
Dr. Nelson Harrison, trombone
Chuck Austin, trumpet
Billy Lewis, acoustic bass
Dr. James Johnson, Jr., piano
Arthur Carter, stride piano
Lindsley Love, guitar
