August Wilson’s compelling tale of the southern powerhouse and Blues virtuoso, Gertrude Rainey, famously known as Ma Rainey.

The setting is 1920’s Chicago and the Mother of the Blues is fighting to have her songs recorded her way. She battles record executives and management trying to control her style and authenticity while her band waxes poetic on philosophy and race. Meanwhile young up-start Levee Green fights for his place in a world that isn’t ready for him.

Most recently brought to the Big Screen as a Netflix original, August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” was first produced by the Yale Repertory Theatre in 1984. This phenomenal work provides an intense look at the cultural impact of American Blues Music and a brutally honest portrayal of race relations in 1920’s America. You won’t want to miss this show.

Director Jamall Rawlinson makes his long overdue return to the loca...