The Production

[Coming Soon] Character Map: An introduction to the characters in Ma Rainey, complete with costume sketches by designer Candice Donnelly.
Review of the Original Production: Frank Rich’s New York Times review of the 1984 Broadway production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Wilson’s first show to hit Broadway.
Du Jour: The rehearsal process has raised many an intriguing question about the play; production dramaturg Faedra Chatard Carpenter fielded these questions, and her responses can be found at our blog.
- Reefer Madness: Would there have been repercussions for smoking marijuana?
- A Town Called “Fat Back”: Does the uniquely-named town—mentioned by Slow Drag—exist?
- The Train Station and Paramount: Would Cutler or Levee have been right about the train? And was Paramount Records associated with the film studio?
- Lindy Hop: Okay, just what is the Lindy Hop?
- Soda Bottles: Ma drinks Coke, but what other soft drinks were available?

[Coming Soon] Glossary: Information on the terms—from Buddy Bolden to the Black Bottom dance to Florsheims—referenced in Ma Rainey.
[Coming Soon] Map