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Theatre Conspiracy presents Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom by August Wilson directed by Sonya McCarter. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is set in a 1927 recording studio in Chicago. The story takes place over the course of an afternoon as a group of musicians and the legendary blues singer, Ma Rainey, record several songs. The audience will learn about four musicians’ perspective on issues of race, art, religion and the historic exploitation of black recording artists by white producers.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom opens Feb. 24 and continues through March 5 at the Alliance for the Arts (10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers FL 33919). A talkback with Director Sonya McCarter and cast will take place after the March 5th performance. Talkbacks are open to the public and allow the discussion of ideas, themes and performance of the play.
“August Wilson is lyrical, extraordinary and powerful playwright,” says Bill Taylor, Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Theatre Conspiracy. “This is a fabulous opportunity to highlight one of his best plays.”
The Ma Rainey Cast includes a host of local actors including:
- Cantrella Canady as Ma Rainey
- Curt Sheard as Cutler
- Roosevelt Stewart as Levee
- Cicero McCarter III as Slow Drag
- Elvis Mortley as Toledo
- Charlie Sloin as Irvin
- Patrick Day as Sturdyvant
- Shaunte Manuel as Dussie Mae
- Vladimy Bellefleur as Sylvester
- Austin Harn as police officer
Performances are Feb. 24 – March 11 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with one Sunday matinee on March 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $24 or $11 for students with proper ID. Thursday nights are “buy one get one half off.” Alliance for the Arts Member Theatre Night is Friday, Feb. 24 and tickets are $15 for members of the Alliance of the Arts.
This production is generously sponsored by Noreen Raney.
