WS Chronicle

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, FEB. 20-23 

*Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 20-23, the Little Theatre of W-S presents “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” by August Wilson. It’s 1927 and Ma Rainey, also known as the “Mother of the Blues,” is recording updated versions of some of her classic songs in a run-down studio in Chicago. Passionate and headstrong, Ma Rainey battles to maintain authority over her own music, even as her arrogant trumpet player, Levee, aspires to make a name for himself in the music industry. For tickets, to go www.LTofWS.org. 

*Stained Glass Playhouse will present “Doubt, A Parable,” written by John Patrick Shanley and directed by Pam Barrans, on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21-22, at 8 p.m., and on Sundays, Feb. 23, at 3 p.m., at Stained Glass Playhouse, located at 4401 Indiana Ave., in the former sanctuary of Marvin United Methodist Church. “What do you do when you’re not sure?” asks the progressive and beloved priest at St. Nicholas Church School in his sermon. But when it is reported that one of the boys returned to class with wine on his breath, the rigid school principal suspects the priest of inappropriate relations with the student. The priest maintains that he is innocent, but what is the truth of the matter? “Doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty.” Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors (60+), $15 for students and teachers, and $10 for children under 12. For more information about the show, visit stainedglassplayhouse.org/doubt. 

*”I, Too” – The Songs and Legacy of Margaret Bonds” will be pressent4ed by Delta Arts Center on Feb. 22, 4-8 p.m. Margaret Bonds, a talented composer and pianist, created a profound musical legacy and is most renowned for her collaborations with her friend and poet, Langston Hughes. She made history as the first African American soloist to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This afternoon we honor her remarkable compositions through a selection of her greatest works. For more information on these and other upcoming exhibits and events, or to register for any event, please go to www.deltaartscenter.org 

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, FEB. 28-MARCH 2 

*August Wilson’s “Fences,” presented by the N.C. Black Rep at HanesBrands Theatre on Feb. 28-March 2. Performances on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Troy Maxson, a former star of the Negro baseball league, now works as a garbage man in 1957 Pittsburgh. Excluded from the Major Leagues in his prime, Troy has grown increasingly bitter and his anger and frustration take a toll on his relationships with his wife and his son. For tickets go to www.ncblackrep.com. 

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, MARCH 6-9 

*August Wilson’s “Fences,” presented by the N.C. Black Rep at HanesBrands Theatre on March 6-9. Performances on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Troy Maxson, a former star of the Negro baseball league, now works as a garbage man in 1957 Pittsburgh. Excluded from the Major Leagues in his prime, Troy has grown increasingly bitter and his anger and frustration take a toll on his relationships with his wife and his son. For tickets go to www.ncblackrep.com. 

*Saturday and Sunday, March 8 & 9, “A Chamber Serenade,” featuring Karim Sulayman, tenor, at Centenary United Methodist Church on Fifth Street. The program is “Part: Cantus n memorium Benjamin Britten,” Britten: “Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings,” and Mozart: Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter.” For more information and tickets, go to www.wssymphony.org. 

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, MARCH 13-16 

*August Wilson’s “Fences,” presented by the N.C. Black Rep at HanesBrands Theatre on March 13-16. Performances on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Troy Maxson, a former star of the Negro baseball league, now works as a garbage man in 1957 Pittsburgh. Excluded from the Major Leagues in his prime, Troy has grown increasingly bitter and his anger and frustration take a toll on his relationships with his wife and his son. For tickets go to www.ncblackrep.com. 

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MARCH 28-30 

*”Unnecessary Farce,” by Paul Slade Smith, March 28-20, presented by The Little Theatre of W-S at HanesBrand Theatre. In a cheap motel room, an embezzling mayor is scheduled to meet with his female accountant while, in the adjoining room, two undercover police officers are lying in wait. There’s some confusion, however, as to who’s in which room, who’s being videotaped, who’s taken the money, who’s hired a hitman, and why the accountant keeps taking off her clothes. For tickets, to go www.LTofWS.org.