Photo Flash

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Hits the Stage at Two River Theater

Ruben Santiago-Hudson directs the August Wilson classic.

Arnetia Walker as Ma Rainey in August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom at Two River Theater.
Arnetia Walker as Ma Rainey in August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom at Two River Theater.
(© T. Charles Erickson)

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom celebrates its official opening tomorrow night at Two River Theater, where performances are set to run through October 9.

Brandon J. Dirden plays Levee in the Two River production.
Brandon J. Dirden plays Levee in the Two River production.
(© T. Charles Erickson)

Under the direction of Ruben Santiago-Hudson, the cast features Chanté Adams (Dussie May), Harvy Blanks (Slow Drag), Brian D. Coats (Toledo), Michael Cumpsty (Irvin), Brandon J. Dirden (Levee), Bob Mackasek (Policeman), Marcel Spears (Sylvester), Peter Van Wagner (Sturdyvant), Arnetia Walker (Ma Rainey), and James A. Williams (Cutler).

Arnetia Walker (Ma Rainey) and Chanté Adams (Dussie May) share the stage.
Arnetia Walker (Ma Rainey) and Chanté Adams (Dussie May) share the stage.
(© T. Charles Erickson)

The second installment of August Wilson's Century Cycle, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom 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.

Arnetia Walker as Ma Rainey with James A. Williams (Cutler), Brian D. Coats (Toledo), and Harvy Blanks (Slow Drag).
Arnetia Walker as Ma Rainey with James A. Williams (Cutler), Brian D. Coats (Toledo), and Harvy Blanks (Slow Drag).
(© T. Charles Erickson)

The play marks Santiago-Hudson's third August Wilson production at Two River Theater, following his mountings of Two Trains Running and Jitney.

Peter Van Wagner (Sturdyvant), Michael Cumpsty (Irvin), Arnetia Walker (Ma Rainey), and Marcel Spears (Sylvester) in Ruben Santiago-Hudson's production of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.
Peter Van Wagner (Sturdyvant), Michael Cumpsty (Irvin), Arnetia Walker (Ma Rainey), and Marcel Spears (Sylvester) in Ruben Santiago-Hudson's production of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.
(© T. Charles Erickson)

For tickets and more information, click here.

Featured In This Story

Play

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

South Jersey

Closed: October 9, 2016