Lillias White To Star In Phylicia Rashad Directed Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

We’ve been feeling down after going through what seems to be the black Broadway purge of 2k16. However, if there is anything that could give us some joy over here at Broadway Black, it’s the Center Theatre Group‘s casting for their production of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom starring Lillias White as Ma Rainey, directed by Phylicia Rashad. Performances are set to run from August 31-October 16 with an official September 11 opening at The Mark Taper Forum in LA.

In the third installment of Wilson’s ten-play Century Cycle, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom depicts the racism and exploitation in the music industry through a 1927 recording session in Chicago with a legendary blues singer, inspired by the real-life Gertrude “Ma” Rainey.

Rounding out the cast is Tony nominee Keith David (Jelly’s Last Jam) as Slow Drag, Jason Dirden (A Raisin in the Sun) as Levee, Glynn Turman (A Raisin in the Sun) as Toledo, Damon Gupton (Clybourne Park) as Cutler, Matthew Henerson  as Sturdyvant, Nija Okoro as Dussie Mae, Lamar Richardson as Sylvester, Ed Swidey as Irvin, and Greg Bryan as Policeman.

The creative team will include scenic design by John Iacovelli, costume design by Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Elizabeth Harper, and sound design by Dan Moses Schreier.

Tickets for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom are available online here or by calling (213) 628-2772. Tickets range from $25 – $85 (ticket prices are subject to change). The Mark Taper Forum is located at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012.

If you are in LA, do not miss this amazing production, also please let Broadway be the next destination we could use more color.

Here’s a little taste of how Lillias snatches wigs!