February 13, 2015 | Event

AW_Celebration_300x200Saturday, March 21
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Presented by Pegasus Theatre Chicago
Directed by Harry J. Lennix
2pm | Logan Center for the Arts (915 E. 60th St) | Screening Room
773.702.2787 | Ticketsweb.uchicago.edu
Free Event – Reservations Recommended

As part of the Goodman Theatre’s city-wide August Wilson Celebration, Pegasus Theatre Chicago will present a concert reading of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” at the Logan Center for the Arts. Pegasus was the first theatre to produce the play in Chicago. Film and television star Harry Lennix, who starred in the 1987 production, returns to direct the concert reading.

The Roaring Twenties have made “Mother of the Blues” Ma Rainey a star, attracting the young and ambitious trumpeter Levee to her band. But a routine recording session in Chicago turns ugly when Levee’s ambitions collide with the larger-than-life personalities of Ma, her entourage and the white producers looking to make money off their talents. Wilson’s searing drama features music that defines a decade and looks at the messy intersection of art and industry.

Chicago’s Goodman Theatre honors the late playwright’s influence on American culture with The August Wilson Celebration. Featuring a revival of Wilson’s masterpiece Two Trains Running and staged readings of his nine other plays, this unprecedented exploration of Wilson’s work includes educational seminars, panel discussions and other special events. This citywide Celebration is presented in collaboration with over 20 theaters, universities and organizations. Learn more at GoodmanTheatre.org/AugustWilson.

Reading Performance tickets are free. Reservations are recommended. General seating only. Doors open at 1:00 PM. Tickets must be picked up at the Logan Center Box Office by 2:00 PM.