From The Banner · Hannah Yasharoff · · 1m 30s
Round House and Olney stage August Wilson’s 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom'
Bethesda’s Round House Theatre and Olney Theatre Center co-produced August Wilson’s 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom' with authentic Chicago setting.
In brief
Bethesda’s Round House Theatre and Olney Theatre Center co-produced August Wilson’s 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom' with authentic Chicago setting. Bethesda’s Round House Theatre and Olney Theatre Center co-produced August Wilson’s 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom' with authentic Chicago setting. Originally reported by The Banner.
Round House and Olney team up
Bethesda’s Round House Theatre and Olney Theatre Center co-produced August Wilson’s 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom' for Montgomery County’s theater season.
Authentic Chicago setting
Scenic designer Arnel Sancianco created a three-story set reflecting 1927 Chicago architecture with cold basement and warm upper floors.
Band members rehearse
Band members Levee, Cutler, Toledo, and Slow Drag rehearse in the cold basement studio during the recording session.
Ma Rainey’s power dynamics
Singer Ma Rainey holds artistic power but struggles against her label’s demands while the band members face internal conflicts.
August Wilson’s creative process
August Wilson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, focused on Black American experiences through each decade of the 20th century.
Director’s vision
Director Lili-Anne Brown emphasized ensemble work and humor to honor the characters’ lived experiences without judgment.
Cast dynamics
The cast described their work as playing jazz, with moments of humor and improvisation to build authentic character connections.
Show runs through Oct 18
The production runs at Round House Theatre through October 18, 2026, after five weeks of development.
Audience impact
Audiences experience the play as a moment in time, witnessing the characters’ struggles without the barrier of a fictional narrative.
At a glance
Bethesda’s Round House Theatre and Olney Theatre Center co-produced August Wilson’s 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom' with authentic Chicago setting.
