Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

12 Comments

I thought the show was going to be more about Ma Rainey and not so much about her band. I was disappointed there wasn't more singing. The long dialogs of the band were hard to hear if you were on the opposite side of them. Rating - 2 | May 9 2010 4:30PM

I enjoyed this version of the play. I also saw it back in 1990 when the focus was more on the music, whereas this time the focus was more on the relationships between the people. Even though the setting was in the blues era. The themes and lessons learned could have easily been today. The black on black crime that we see today was evident in the play. Even the negative relationship between black men. Nigger this and Nigger that...it is not an affectionate term and it hurts. The misdirected anger that we still see so often especially amongst our young black men..who many times are misdirected and misguided. I love August Wilson. Thank you for bringing him back to us here in Baltimore. Rating - | May 8 2010 9:35PM

I have seen August Wilson plays on Broadway and this can match any of them. A wonderful night of great American theatre. Bravo to all involved!!! Rating - | Apr 28 2010 11:23PM

Honesty, i cried a little bit and had to watch Mary Poppins in order to smile again. Plus there really wasn't a plot or a solid theme or lesson i could get out of it. And if there, was it would be : don't' go crazy like Leeve. Rating - 1 | Apr 27 2010 6:11PM

Brava to the cast, crew and artistic staff. A mesmerizing and profoundly moving production. The performance stays with you and begs thoughtful consideration of many important historical issues. 5 star and then some. Rating - | Apr 22 2010 3:25PM

I have only been to Center Stage on a couple of occasions and have enjoyed each play; however, I agree with the April 13 comment. I expected more singing. All of the actors were outstanding. I understand that the play was based on a single recording session and the recording of one song, but the play was centered more on the band than Ma Rainey!!! Rating - | Apr 19 2010 8:44PM

Thanks so much for including me last night—I really enjoyed the lovely reception, but I just loved the play. I have seen a number of August Wilson’s plays—several at Center Stage and actually, “Fences” way back when on Broadway with James Earl Jones. But never saw “Ma Rainey” and it was spectacular. I am always amazed at how he blends humor and then such deep feeling. I left feeling as if someone had kicked me in the stomach—and have been feeling that way all day today as well . . . I am rediscovering the power of theatre and am very grateful to you for it. Debra Rating - | Apr 16 2010 11:03AM

I can honestly say that last night was one of the most thrilling nights I have ever spent in a theatre. Last night’s performance showed August Wilson’s true genius through the remarkable performances and the truthful telling of one part of the American story. Kudos to Irene, the cast and everyone associated with the production. The actors had the audience in their grip; pulling laughter and tears in almost the same sentence. Thank you for the opportunity to see great American theatre produced by gifted artists. Randi Rating - | Apr 15 2010 2:02PM

I am a subscriber to the preview series and I attended the Sunday evening production. Like all of August Wilson's plays, they are filled with words of wisdom emitted through marvelously constructed conversation by the characters. This production was especially effective in that respect. One negetive however, for me was Ms Butler's line delivery; she seemed to be yelling and therefore did not seem to have control of what she was saying. Yes, the character is forceful and demanding, but without tonal control, she becomes less effective. I have seen a number of actresses portray the character in various productions and Ms Butler's performance is by far the least controlled. Never the less, the total performances of the cast was outstanding! I would rate it a 4. Rating - | Apr 14 2010 7:55PM

the comment of apr 13 is all true and right on point Rating - | Apr 14 2010 6:20PM

I found it depressing. I should have read the text of the play before attending. I was expecting lots of singing and more of the storyline centered around Ma Rainey instead of the band. The play should be retitled Ma Rainey's Band. Disappointed. Rating - 2 | Apr 13 2010 10:22AM

Amazing and profoundly deep! Gives you something to talk and think about! I'm booking a second trip! Rating - 5 | Apr 8 2010 7:40PM