Renee Johnson

Video: Scenes From MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM at Goodman Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Apr 21, 2026

Goodman Theatre has released footage of scenes from MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, August Wilson's landmark drama now playing through May 3, 2026 at the Albert Theatre, extended by popular demand.

Review: MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM at Goodman Theatre
by Rachel Weinberg - Apr 7, 2026

MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM is a well-acted, slow-burn character study. August Wilson’s 1982 play centers on a fictitious 1927 Chicago album recording, as the musicians gather and wait for the notorious Ma Rainey (or Madam Rainey, as she demands they call her) to record her latest album. Ma Rainey has some dramatic tendencies — she’s an hour late to her own recording session and then comes in with a whirl of demands and suggestions for the session. 

Photos & Video: MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM at The Goodman
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 2, 2026

You can now get a first look at photos and videos of The Goodman’s Centennial Season revival of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom—helmed by Director Chuck Smith.

Photos: MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM Rehearsals at The Goodman
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 9, 2026

August Wilson’s Ma Rainey‘s Black Bottom returns to The Goodman, helmed by Chicago legends Chuck Smith and Harry J. Lennix. See rehearsal photos here!

FRIGID New York Unveils Lineup For 2026 New York City Fringe Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2026

FRIGID New York will present the 19th annual New York City Fringe Festival across multiple venues in New York City. The festival will feature a diverse array of performances with all box office proceeds directly benefiting the artists.

Cast Set for MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM at Goodman Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 9, 2026

Ma Rainey and her band return to The Goodman this spring in a major revival—and a reunion of two Chicago theater legends. Goodman Family Resident Director Chuck Smith directs August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom with Associate/Music Director Harry J. Lennix.

Review: JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING at Mark Taper Forum
by Evan Henerson - Oct 13, 2025

JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING, completing a mini tour of regional theaters at the Mark Taper Forum following an acclaimed New York run in the fall of 2023, is a tender and humorous snapshot of a community and also a plea for community.

JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Comes to the Mark Taper Forum
by Stephi Wild - Sep 11, 2025

Center Theater Group has announced the Tony-winning Jaja's African Hair Braiding by Joceyln Bioh and directed by Whitney White. Learn more about the production here!

Theatre Three to Open 2025–26 Season with Eleanor Burgess’s THE NICETIES
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 26, 2025

Theatre Three (T3) will open its 2025–2026 season in Theatre Too (T2), its intimate downstairs space, with The Niceties, a gripping two-character drama by Eleanor Burgess.

Video: First Look at JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING at La Jolla Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - May 28, 2025

La Jolla Playhouse has released a clip from its production of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, by Jocelyn Bioh, directed by Whitney White, running in the Mandell Weiss Theatre through June 15. Watch the video!

Signature, Keegan, and 1st Stage Lead Wins at 41st Annual Helen Hayes Awards
by Joshua Wright - May 20, 2025

The 41st Helen Hayes Awards took place on May 19, 2025, at The Anthem, honoring excellence in Washington D.C. theatre. Signature Theatre led with six wins. Awards were presented in 41 categories from 165 eligible 2024 productions.

Cast and Creative Team Set for JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING at La Jolla Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 2, 2025

La Jolla Playhouse has revealed the cast and creative team for its production of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, by Jocelyn Bioh. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

INTIMATE APPAREL By Lynn Nottage Begins At Theatre Three This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 3, 2025

Theatre Three will present Intimate Apparel by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, a moving and powerful story of love, resilience, and self-discovery in early 20th-century America.

Bonnie Milligan, Beanie Feldstein and More Nominated for 2025 Helen Hayes Awards
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 10, 2025

Explore the 2025 Helen Hayes Awards Nominees, including standout performances by Bonnie Milligan and Beanie Feldstein. The awards will be presented on Monday, May 19 at an event at The Anthem. The nominations are for productions in the Washington, DC, region in the 2024 calendar year.

Photos: JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Opens at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2025

Chicago Shakespeare hosted its opening night for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding Friday. In attendance were LaChanze, a producer on the show, and Producer Gigi Pritzker of Madison Wells Live and Chicago’s First Lady Stacie Johnson. Check out photos!

Review: JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Rachel Weinberg - Jan 21, 2025

With JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING, Jocelyn Bioh pulls off a challenging theatrical feat: She makes a slice-of-life play consistently engaging and entertaining. Set in Harlem at a hair salon of the same name, JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING follows a group of West African immigrant women working there — along with some of their customers. Bioh has populated her play with a cast of big personalities and peppers in just enough of the stylists’ backstories to allow us to learn more about them.

JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING to Have Midwest Premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2024

Straight from a twice-extended Broadway run, Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present the Midwest premiere of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Photos: JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING At Berkeley Repertory Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 12, 2024

Check out brand-new production photos from Jocelyn Bioh's Tony Award-winning new comedy, JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING, performing at Berkeley Rep’s Peet’s Theatre now through December 15, 2024.

Berkeley Rep to Present the West Coast Premiere of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 25, 2024

Direct from a twice-extended run on Broadway, Berkeley Rep will present the West Coast premiere of Jocelyn Bioh’s Tony Award-winning new comedy, JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING. Amidst the lively buzz of a scorching summer, love ignites, dreams soar, and secrets unravel. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Photos: JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING At Arena Stage
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 18, 2024

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater is presenting the Manhattan Theatre Club production of Jocelyn Bioh's, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. See photos from the production!