{"id":367228,"date":"2025-04-20T11:03:01","date_gmt":"2025-04-20T15:03:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dctheaterarts.org\/?p=367228"},"modified":"2025-04-20T11:03:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-20T15:03:01","slug":"artscentrics-ma-raineys-black-bottom-is-a-must-see-to-celebrate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dctheaterarts.org\/2025\/04\/20\/artscentrics-ma-raineys-black-bottom-is-a-must-see-to-celebrate\/","title":{"rendered":"ArtsCentric’s ‘Ma Rainey\u2019s Black Bottom’ is a must-see to celebrate"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s here! The third installment of the August Wilson Celebration Century Cycle tribute in Baltimore, Maryland: Ma Rainey\u2019s Black Bottom<\/em>! One of the more popular plays written by August Wilson, this production at ArtsCentric will not disappoint. From philosophical wisdom to the live title song, this production allows you to experience a myriad of emotions. But the most important emotion is the joy of witnessing this production taking shape before your very eyes.<\/p>\n

This play takes place in a 1920s recording studio in Chicago. During a time when the seeds of unrest and dissatisfaction are beginning to take root. There are two main dynamics that are taking place. The tension between the band members and the struggle for power between Ma Rainey (wonderfully portrayed by Kadejah One) and her music producers. There is a lot of talk of what it means to be colored in a society that considers you less than, until they want some specific talent that you have. Even the more humorous moments are laced with inherent racism. There is talk about the validity of the \u201cwhite man\u2019s God\u201d and the path of the colored man going forward. There are tales of nighttime horrors and how people dealt with humiliation to survive. There is a constant need for others to control Ma Rainey from her sound to her name. The music producers are always trying to \u201ckeep her in line\u201d or to \u201chandle her.\u201d But she holds the line and adamantly refuses to back down. One thing you will never be able to call Ma Rainey is weak.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Archie Williams, Gary DuBreuil, Kadejah One as Ma Rainey, Grant Chism, Justin Burley, and Tia Thomas in \u2018Ma Rainey\u2019s Black Bottom.\u2019 Photo by Shalyce Hemby.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The tension between LeeVee (interpreted by Justin Burley) and Cutler (played by Dominic Gladden) is akin to a slow-burning fire about to burn out of control. LeeVee, with the strength and arrogance of youth on his side, has a vision for his future that can\u2019t be dulled by the cautious advice of the past or the slower, simpler temperaments of the present. So, it really hurts your heart when you see the realization in his eyes when he comprehends how little his soul is worth to \u201cthe devil.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cutler, who leads Ma\u2019s band, is often at odds with LeeVee. I admire the strength of this character while saddened by his diminishing will to fight. He no longer aspires for more but is content with being loyal to Ma Rainey and submissive to her desires.<\/p>\n

Archie Williams plays an amazing Toledo. Always ready with his time-worn advice, he often confuses the young LeeVee. But his anecdotes bring about some of the best catalysts for conversations. Always trying to give a lesson that goes over the heads of the others, he doesn\u2019t stop trying. He maintains a small level of hope in basic humanity.<\/p>\n

And of course, the music producers: Irvin (portrayed by Gary Dubreuil) and Sturdyvant (acted by Brian Lyons-Burke). Irvin, Ma\u2019s manager, is the one who always claims to have it all, including her, under control. His favorite line is \u201cI\u2019ll take care of it.\u201d Even though you see him at times going through hoops to appease Ma, he knows what his end goal is and keeps at it with such ferocity it\u2019s almost diabolical. When he finally gets what he wants, you can see the eerie satisfaction creep onto his face. That look of ownership. It\u2019s haunting. Then there is Sturdyvant, the music producer. He is exactly what you expect him to be. But his final moment on stage brings about a chilling anger because he shows you the truth of the world. And you can\u2019t do anything about it.<\/p>\n

\"\"
TOP LEFT: Justin Burley as LeVee and Tia Thomas as Dussie Mae; TOP RIGHT: Kadejah One as Ma Rainey; ABOVE: Grant Chism as Slow Drag, Dominic Gladden as Cutler, Archie Williams as Toledo, and Justin Burley as LeVee, in \u2018Ma Rainey\u2019s Black Bottom.\u2019 Photos by Shalyce Hemby.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But let\u2019s talk about Ma Rainey. From her first second onstage, her presence swallows the room. Her booming voice, her antics, her posture, her everything just completely takes over. She moves without shame or hindrance. Even when the whole world at times is against her. She doesn\u2019t apologize for anything and absolutely demands and expects to have things her way. She knows the game that is being played. And while she knows she will ultimately lose, she still is going to do everything she can to win.<\/p>\n

While this play is a must-see in the August Wilson Century Cycle, there are a few things to take note of: There is actual smoke when they are smoking. While I\u2019m pretty sure it\u2019s not tobacco (there was more of a flowery scent), whatever it was can potentially be irritating. I know I needed something to drink during intermission to clear my throat. Also, there is no assigned seating. Although the majority of the seats provide decent views of the stage, you will want to arrive on time, if not early, to get the best seating, especially if you are part of a larger party. Lastly, there is street parking available in a mixed neighborhood along with a parking lot adjacent to the building. It wasn\u2019t a problem for me, but if you arrive late, it could potentially be a problem because you will be competing with businesses in the area that are open late.<\/p>\n

My final note: Go see this play. It was worth the time to experience the triumph of August Wilson\u2019s storytelling in such an intimate but well-thought-out setting.<\/p>\n

Running Time: Two hours and 35 minutes including a 15-minute intermission.<\/p>\n

Ma Rainey\u2019s Black Bottom<\/em><\/strong> plays through April 27, 2025, at ArtsCentric<\/a>, 2600 N. Howard Street, Baltimore, MD. Purchase tickets ($40) online<\/a> <\/strong>or in person.<\/p>\n

SEE ALSO:<\/strong>
\nAugust Wilson\u2019s \u2018American Century Cycle\u2019 to play at 10 theaters in Baltimore <\/a><\/strong>(news story, April 3, 2024)<\/p>\n

Ma Rainey\u2019s Black Bottom<\/strong><\/em>
\nBy August Wilson
\nDirected by Kevin S. McAllister<\/p>\n

CAST
\nIrvin: Gary Dubreuil
\nSturdyvant: Brian Lyons: Burke
\nMadame \u201cMa\u201d Rainey: Kadejak One
\nLeVee: Justin Burley
\nSylvester: Angelo Harrington II
\nOfficer: Glen Haupt
\nDussie Mae: Tia Thomas
\nToledo: Archie Williams
\nSlow Drag: Grant Chism
\nCutler: Dominic Gladden<\/p>\n

ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE TEAM
\nDirector: Kevin S. McAllister
\nMusic Director: Cedric D. Lyles
\nSound Designer: Chris Lane
\nFight\/Intimacy: Sierra Young
\nChoreographer: Shalyce Hemby
\nScenic Design: Emily Lotz
\nCostume Design: Larry Boggs
\nLighting Design: Tyrell Stanely
\nDramaturg: Khalid Long
\nStage Manager: Jordan Ross
\nAsst Stage Manager: Khalil White
\nAsst Costume Design: Deana Cruz-Conner
\nTech Director\/ Carpenter: Matt Kator
\nAsst Tech Director: Amiel Nuchovich
\nProperties Designer: Penelope Chan
\nScenic Painter: Justin Nepomuceno
\nSound Op: Andreus Brijbasi<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Experience the triumph of August Wilson\u2019s storytelling in an intimate setting. By CONSTANCE BEULAH<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":367232,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17,18],"tags":[440,441],"class_list":{"0":"post-367228","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-maryland","8":"category-reviews","9":"tag-august-wilson","10":"tag-kevin-s-mcallister"},"acf":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\nArtsCentric's 'Ma Rainey\u2019s Black Bottom' is a must-see to celebrate - 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