Arnetia Walker to Star in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Complete casting has been announced for Two River Theater's fall production of August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, directed by Tony winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Performances will run from September 10-October 9 with an opening night set for September 16.

The cast will feature Chanté Adams as Dussie May, Harvy Blanks (Two River's Jitney) as Slow Drag, Brian D. Coats (Two River's Seven Guitars) as Toledo, Tony nominee Michael Cumpsty (End of the Rainbow) as Irvin, Brandon J. Dirden (All the Way) as Levee, Bob Mackasek as Policeman, Marcel Spears (Mother Courage) as Sylvester, Peter Van Wagner (A Thousand Clowns) as Sturdyvant, Arnetia Walker (Head of Passes) as Ma Rainey, and James A. Williams (Radio Golf) as Cutler.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom marks Two River’s fourth production from August Wilson’s American Century Cycle following its mountings of Jitney, Two Trains Running, and Seven Guitars. Set in the 1920s, the play takes audiences into the world of legendary singer Ma Rainey (the real-life "Mother of the Blues") as she lays down tracks with her band in a Chicago recording studio.

The creative team will include scenic designer Charlie Corcoran, costume designer Karen Perry, lighting designer Burke Brown, and sound designer Rob Kaplowitz, along with original music by Bill Sims Jr. and Kenny Rampton, and fight direction by Thomas Schall.

For tickets and more information, click here.