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Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

January 22 - February 19, 2005

Bagley Wright Theater

Ma Rainey is late. While waiting for this blues diva to appear in a seedy Chicago recording studio, the ensemble of musicians who make up her band take advantage of the time to bicker, debate, play games of verbal one-upmanship, and even tune up. When Ma finally arrives, matters of repertory and Ma’s insistence on allowing her stuttering nephew to introduce the double-entendre title song disrupt and delay the recording, setting in motion a destructive turn of events. The New York Times noted Ma Rainey hit Broadway “like a thunderclap” when it first opened in 1985, and the Rep is proud to offer our production of this theatrical stunner as we continue a tradition of presenting Seattle playwright August Wilson’s landmark century cycle, one of the finest achievements in American theatre.

Cast and Production

Cast

Irvin

Laurence Ballard

Cutler

Thomas Martell Brimm

Policeman

Bruce Eriksen

Sylvester

Reginald André Jackson

Ma Rainey

Cynthia Jones

Levee

Alvin Keith

Sturdyvant

Charles Leggett

Toledo

Don Mayo

Dussie Mae

Charlie Parker

Slow Drag

Paul Parks

Production

Scenic Designer

Scott Bradley

Costume Designer

Linda Ross

Lighting Designer

Allen Lee Hughes

Music Director

John M. Watson

Sound Designer

Steve LeGrand

Stage Manager

Wendiana Walker

Assistant Stage Manager

Suzie Haufle

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