Jevetta Steel to Star in Penumbra Theatre’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Jevetta Steel will play the title role in Penumbra Theatre’s production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, to perform at the Guthrie Theater, February 10-March 6. Lou Bellamy will direct.

Set in 1920s Chicago, the play deals with the issues of race, art, religion and the historic exploitation of black recording artists by white producers, as fiery blues legend Gertrude “Ma” Rainey is getting ready to lay down a hit record with her virtuoso band.

The cast will also include James T. Alfred (Levee), Lerea Carter (Dussie Mae), James Craven (Cutler), Penumbra founding member Abdul Salaam El Razzac (Toledo), William John Hall, Jr. (Slow Drag), Phil Kilbourne (Irvin), Brendan Guy Murphy (Policeman), Michael Tezla (Sturdyvant), and Ahanti Young (Sylvester).

The creative team will include Vicki M. Smith (scenic designer), Mathew J. LeFebvre (costume designer), Don Darnutzer (lighting designer), Brian Jerome Peterson (sound designer), Sanford Moore (music director), and Brent Gibbs (fight director).

Steele has appeared on Broadway in The Gospel at Colonus and tours of The Gospel at Colonus, Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story, Bagdad Café-The Musical, The Sounds of Blackness and The Night Before Christmas. Her film credits include Corrina, Corrina; Hoop Dreams; Born to be Wild; Graffiti Bridge and Bagdad Café.

For tickets and more information, click here.