August Wilson's MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM
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AUGUST WILSON'S MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM
Directed by Lili-Anne Brown
Co-produced with Olney Theatre Center
September 9–October 11, 2026
Set in 1920s Chicago and pulsing with rousing blues music, wry comedy, and poetic insight, August Wilson’s acclaimed play follows trailblazing singer Ma Rainey and her band during a fraught recording session. As conflicts flare over art, power, and control, the struggle between the musicians and studio executives grows to a shattering finale. Don’t miss this explosive and thrilling “genuine American masterpiece” (Chicago Reader) that takes a searing look at the racial exploitation at the heart of the music industry and celebrates the cathartic power of the blues.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Our Golden Anniversary sponsors are Mitch and Heidi Dupler; Gil and Rona* Eisner; Jay and Robin Hammer; and Manfred M Hein* and Florence H Hein*.
*in memoriam
