A Noise Within to Present August Wilson’s Electrifying Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Amber Liekhus takes center stage as Ma Rainey in a volatile 1927 recording session where race, music, and legacy collide.

Continuing its celebrated long-term commitment to the work of playwright August Wilson, A Noise Within (ANW) is proud to present Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. This production marks the seventh installment of Wilson’s landmark ten-play American Century Cycle to be produced by the company. Directed by Gregg T. Daniel, performances are scheduled to begin August 29 and run through September 20 at A Noise Within’s Pasadena home, with four preview performances starting August 23.

A Power Struggle Set to the Blues

Inspired by the real-life Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, this groundbreaking work was the first of Wilson’s plays to reach Broadway, earning the 1984 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play. Set during a 1927 recording session in Chicago, the play transforms an ordinary afternoon into a volatile clash over race, art, power, and ownership. The story follows the legendary blues singer Ma Rainey as she battles white producers for control over her music, while the ambitious trumpeter Levee dreams of a future that transcends the band. Director Gregg T. Daniel notes that the play asks a central, poignant question: “How does someone hold onto dignity, resilience and self-worth when their art is treated as a commodity?”.

The Ensemble

The production features a mix of ANW veterans and newcomers, creating a rep company feel that helps capture the specific rhythms and musicality of Wilson’s dialogue. Amber Liekhus, an ANW resident artist, stars in the title role of Ma Rainey, while newcomer Jamar Gilbert makes his company debut as the fiery Levee. They are joined by returning Wilson veterans Kai A. Ealy, Bert Emmett, Alex Morris, and Gerald C. Rivers, as well as Francis Edemobi, Matt Foyer, Jim Nardini, and CJ Obilom.

Creative Vision

The creative team bringing this vision to life includes scenic designer Tesshi Nakagawa, lighting designer Ken Booth, sound designer Jeff Gardner, and costume designer Christine Cover Ferro. Additional artistic support is provided by wig and makeup designer Shelia Dorn, properties designer Stephen Taylor, music director Byron Smith, and choreographer Joyce Guy. The technical nuances of the production are managed by fight choreographer Ken Merck, dialect coach Andrea Odinov, and dramaturg Dr. Miranda Johnson-Haddad, with production stage manager Sami Hansen and assistant Bryan Tiglio overseeing the stage. Director Gregg T. Daniel explains that the returning actors’ understanding of Wilson’s cadences helps guide newcomers through the “Wilsonian world,” treating the dialogue itself as a musical composition where Levee acts as a “counter-melody” to Ma.

Unique Place in the Cycle

Of the ten plays in the American Century Cycle—which spans 90 years of history—Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is unique as the only play that does not take place in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. While the plays are not a serial story and can each stand alone, ANW’s progression through the cycle highlights the company’s dedication to Wilson’s legacy under the leadership of producing artistic directors Julia Rodriguez-Elliott and Geoff Elliott.

Performance Schedule and Special Events

Performances of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom take place Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees every Saturday and Sunday, though there is no matinee on August 29. Throughout the run, A Noise Within offers several engagement opportunities, including a one-hour INsiders Discussion Group prior to the matinee on Sunday, August 30 at 12:30 p.m.. Saturday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m. is designated as “Black Out Night,” providing an opportunity for an audience self-identifying as Black to experience the performance together, followed by a post-show reception. Additionally, post-performance conversations with the artists will be held every Friday (except during previews) and on Sunday, September 6.

Ticketing and Location Information

Tickets for the production start at $41.75, with student tickets available starting at $20. For the preview performances on Wednesday, August 26 and Thursday, August 27, the theater offers “Pay What You Choose” pricing starting at $10, with tickets available online starting the Monday prior or at the box office on the day of the show. A Noise Within is located at 3352 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107. For more information or to purchase tickets, the public can call (626) 356-3100 or visit anoisewithin.org.