Ma Rainey News

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, announces that the company’s acclaimed World Premiere production of The Outgoing Tide, by Bruce Graham and directed by BJ Jones, will be presented in association with Galway Arts Festival in Galway, Ireland, July 17 – 21, 2012. Cast members John Mahoney, Rondi Reed and Thomas J. Cox, are set to reprise the roles they originated in the Northlight production. (more...)

Open Stage of Harrisburg will take a look at two of Harrisburg’s most vibrant neighborhoods of today and yesterday: Market Square and Broad Street. Experience the stories of three businesses that helped shape Harrisburg: JH Troup and Co., The Broad Street Market, and Alsedek’s Restaurant. History, drama, music and storytelling combine to celebrate our past and present in the new play STORIES FROM HOME: Market2Market. (more...)

August Wilson’s Jitney, a play about a ragtag group of drivers of gypsy cabs—known as jitneys—closes out SCR’s 2011-2012 season, with an all-star cast led by Charlie Robinson, who last wowed SCR audiences in another Wilson hit, Fences. Ron OJ Parson, who has previously directed Jitney at St. Louis Black Rep, directs the show, which runs on the Segerstrom Stage now through June 10. See photos of Charlie Robinson and the cast of JITNEY on stage below! (more...)

New Haarlem Arts Theatre (NHAT), the professional theater company of City College of New York (CCNY), will open its second season June 14 to July 8 with "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" by August Wilson, directed by Eugene Nesmith and starring Johnnie Mae as Ma. (more...)

After three wonderful seasons, CENTERSTAGE concludes our Cabaret Series with a return engagement of the phenomenal E. Faye Butler on May 17-20. E. Faye returns with an all-new act, “What a Difference a Diva Makes,” ready to bring raise the roof and bring down the curtain on our final Cabaret. (more...)

This summer, New Haarlem Arts Theatre (NHAT), the professional theater company of City College of New York (CCNY), has expanded its programming and will present mainstage productions of "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" and "Sweet Charity," as well as a show for young audiences and a readings series. The theater, led by Eugene Nesmith, is entering its second season and will again be in residence at Aaron Davis Hall, located at W. 135th Street and Convent Avenue, Manhattan (Hamilton Heights). (more...)

Whoopi Goldberg will guest star as Sue's guidance counselor on this Wednesday's episode of the ABC comedy THE MIDDLE. In the episode entitled, "The Guidance Counselor", Sue finds a kindred spirit in her awkward school guidance counselor, Jane Marsh (Goldberg), who inspires her to reinvent herself. (more...)

Revisiting a popular play in the ten work “Pittsburgh Cycle” from August Wilson, the Black Rep has put forth a superior effort. Ma Rainey'S BLACK BOTTOM is especially interesting to me as a musician since the focus is really on the interplay that goes on between Ma Rainey's band as they banter about various aspects of life and the music business, all while waiting for Ma to show up, or trying not to incur her wrath when she does. A terrific cast makes for an enjoyable, if tragic, ride that's well worth your time and attention. (more...)

The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Charles Dillingham, interim Executive Director) and South Coast Repertory, announced today the full casting and creative team for JITNEY. Single tickets are also now on sale to the public. South Coast Repertory’s (SCR) production of August Wilson’s JITNEY, directed by Ron OJ Parson with an all-star cast led by Charlie Robinson, will transfer to The Pasadena Playhouse immediately following its SCR engagement. Performances will begin June 21 through July 15, with an official press opening on Sunday, June 24, 2012, at 5:00 p.m at The Pasadena Playhouse. (more...)

August Wilson’s Jitney, a play about a ragtag group of drivers of gypsy cabs—known as jitneys—will close out SCR’s 2011-2012 season, with an all-star cast led by Charlie Robinson, who last wowed SCR audiences in another Wilson hit, Fences. Ron OJ Parson, who has previously directed Jitney at St. Louis Black Rep, will direct the show, which will run on the Segerstrom Stage from May 11 – June 10. (more...)

Passage Theatre Company, Trenton’s only professional theater company, will wrap up its 2011-2012 season with Slippery as Sin, running from May 17 to June 3. David Lee White’s comic thriller will be directed by Adam Immerwahr – the same team that delivered the 2010 smash hit, Blood: A Comedy. (more...)

The Boston Theater Critics Association has announced its nominations for the 30h Anniversary Elliot Norton Awards. The awards, which recognize excellence in Greater Boston theater, will be presented on Monday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Mainstage, 559 Washington Street, Boston. (more...)

The Huntington Theatre Company announces its 2012-2013 Season. Continuing its 30-year tradition, the Huntington will present world-class productions of new works and classics made current that are created by the best local and national talent. (more...)

Whoopi Goldberg will guest star on the May 2nd episode of the ABC comedy THE MIDDLE. In the episode entitled 'The Guidance Counselor', Sue finds a kindred spirit in her awkward school guidance counselor, Jane Marsh (Goldberg), who inspires her to reinvent herself. (more...)

Goodspeed Musicals takes to the high seas with the new musical Amazing Grace. This tale about a slave trader who sees the light and dedicates himself to ending slavery will run from May 17 through June 10, 2012 at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn., Goodspeed’s home for developing new works. Amazing Grace is sponsored by Essex Savings Bank. (more...)

On the heels of successful presentations of Gem of the Ocean, A Raisin in the Sun and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, the Guthrie Theater welcomes back the acclaimed Penumbra Theatre Company for The Amen Corner—an uplifting and masterful drama written by celebrated playwright and novelist James Baldwin and directed by Penumbra Founder and Artistic Director Lou Bellamy. (more...)

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Whoopi Goldberg will make a multi-arc guest starring appearance on GLEE. (more...)

The Huntington Theatre Company’s production of Ma Rainey'S BLACK BOTTOM completes August Wilson’s Century Cycle, ten plays that reflect the African-American experience in America by the decade throughout the 20th century. Yvette Freeman (NBC’s ER) is a force of nature in the title role, and local actor Jason Bowen captivates as the hotheaded young trumpeter who personifies the Zeitgeist. (more...)

In conjunction with the Huntington Theatre Company’s production of Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson’s first Broadway hit, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, WGBH 89.7 FM’s “Jazz with Eric in the Evening” host Eric Jackson and “The Callie Crossley Show” host Callie Crossley will discuss the social and musical history depicted in the play in a post-show conversation on Saturday, March 24 immediately following the 2pm performance. (more...)

One of Shakespeare’s most tragic heroes squares off against literature’s greatest villain in a visceral, sexy, hard-driving story of intrigue, betrayal and vengeance, as Iago leads Othello to the edge of jealous madness by sowing seeds of doubt about his wife’s fidelity. This classic revenge tragedy comes to life in a modern and edgy adaptation set in the world of motorcycle gangs. This production of Othello will be directed by Artistic Director Mark Clements, the role of Othello will be performed by guest actor Lindsay Smiling, and the role of Iago will be performed by Rep Resident Acting Company Member Gerard Neugent. The Rep’s production of Othello is sponsored by Harley-Davidson Motor Company and runs April 3 – May 6, 2012 in The Rep’s Quadracci Powerhouse and previews Tuesday, April 3 – Thursday, April 5, and opens on Friday, April 6. (more...)