Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Drama - Original
Cort Theatre
Data not verified
- First Preview: October 3, 1984
- Opening Date: October 11, 1984
- Closing Date: June 9, 1985
- Previews: 9
- Performances: 276
Playwright: August Wilson
Synopsis
Legendary blues musician "Ma" Rainey, an ambitious trumpeter who hopes she will perform his arrangement of her signature tune, and the rest of her band and hangers-on make their music and deal with the harsh reality of their business and lives in 1927 Chicago.
Opening Night Cast
| John Carpenter | Sturdyvant | |
| Lou Criscuolo | Irvin | |
| Scott Davenport-Richards | Sylvester | |
 |
Charles S. Dutton | Levee |
| Leonard Jackson | Slow Drag | |
| Robert Judd | Toledo | |
| Christopher Loomis | Policeman | |
| Theresa Merritt | Ma Rainey |
Opening Night Production Credits
 |
August Wilson | Writer |
| Walter Melrose | Featuring "Doctor Jazz" written | |
| Joseph Oliver | Featuring "Doctor Jazz" written by | |
| Louis Armstrong | Featuring "Hear Me Talking to You" written | |
| Ma Rainey | Featuring "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" and "See See Rider" written by | |
| Lillian Hardeway Henderson | Featuring "Trust No Man" written by |
Awards
Drama Desk Award
| Year | Category | Name | Winner/Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play | Charles S. Dutton | Winner |
| 1985 | Outstanding New Play | Nominee |
New York Drama Critics' Circle
| Year | Category | Name | Winner/Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Best Play | August Wilson | Winner |
Theatre World
| Year | Category | Name | Winner/Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Theatre World Award | Charles S. Dutton | Winner |
Tony Award
| Year | Category | Name | Winner/Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Featured Actor in a Play | Charles S. Dutton | Nominee |
| 1985 | Featured Actress in a Play | Theresa Merritt | Nominee |
| 1985 | Play | Nominee |
