Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Set to Begin Performances

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom begins performances tonight at Two River Theater.

The play, the second in playwright August Wilson's Century Cycle, is set in the 1920s and takes audiences into the world of legendary singer Ma Rainey (the real-life "Mother of the Blues") as she lays down tracks with her band in a Chicago recording studio. Director Ruben Santiago-Hudson has previously directed Wilson's Century Cycle plays Two Trains Running and Jitney for Two River Theater. Each play in the cycle is set in a different decade and depicts the broad spectrum of African-American life in the 20th century.

Arnetia Walker stars in the title role alongside Chanté Adams, Harvy Blanks, Brian D. Coats, Michael Cumpsty, Brandon J. Dirden, Bob Mackasek, Marcel Spears, Peter Van Wagner, and James A. Williams.

The creative team for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom includes scenic designer Charlie Corcoran, costume designer Karen Perry, lighting designer Burke Brown, and sound designer Rob Kaplowitz. The original music is by Bill Sims Jr. and Kenny Rampton. Fight direction is by Thomas Schall. The stage manager is Laura Wilson.

Performances will run through October 9.

For more information and tickets, click here.