Theater News

Tony Winner Lillias White and More Begin Performances of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Phylicia Rashad directs August Wilson’s play for Mark Taper Forum.

Jason Zednick

Los Angeles

September 1, 2016

Lillias White stars in the title role of August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, directed by Phylicia Rashad, at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum at the Los Angeles Music Center. — Lillias White stars in the title role of August Wilson’s *Ma Rainey's Black Bottom*, directed by Phylicia Rashad, at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum at the Los Angeles Music Center.
(photo provided by Center Theatre Group)

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom begins performances tonight at the Mark Taper Forum.

The play by August Wilson, part of his Century Cycle, depicts racism and exploitation in the music industry through a 1927 recording session at a white-owned studio in Chicago with the legendary singer, inspired by real-life Mother of the Blues Gertrude "Ma" Rainey.

Tony winner Lillias White stars alongside Greg Bryan, Keith David, Jason Dirden, Damon Gupton, Matthew Henerson, Nija Okoro, Lamar Richardson, Ed Swidey, and Glynn Turman. Phylicia Rashad directs in her second Wilson production for the Mark Taper Forum. Previously she directed the 2013 production of Joe Turner's Come and Gone.

Production staff for the play includes scenic design by John Iacovelli, costume design by Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Elizabeth Harper, and sound design by Dan Moses Schreier. The production stage manager is David Blackwell.

Performances will run through October 16.

For more information and tickets, click here.

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