Little Theatre of Winston-Salem to present ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’

This 1982 play by August Wilson chronicles the 20th-century African American experience dealing with issues of race, art, religion, and the historic exploitation of Black recording artists by white producers. It received a 1985 Tony Award nomination for Best Play, The play’s title comes from Ma Rainey‘s song of the same name, which refers to the Black Bottom dance.
The setting: 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.:
CAST:
Ma Rainey – Reagan Hailey
Sylvester – Ariey Price
Dussie Mae – Lindsay Brown
Sturdayvant – Don Gunther
Irvi – Joseph Farmer
Cutler – Adrian Dion Quarles
Toledo – Ralph Shaw
Levee – Todd Porter
Slow Drag – Kelvin Register
Policeman – Kevin Crockett
PRODUCTION:
Director – Tomeka Allen
Stage Manager – Darleny Del Rosario
Set Designer – Eaton Njie
Lighting Design – Latrice Negron
Costume Design – Frenchie Negron
The play runs Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14 & 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m., and the following Thursday – Saturday, Feb. 20-22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. at HanesBrand Theatre. Run time is two hours.
Single tickets on sale beginning Jan. 24 by going to www.ltofws.org.