“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Yale Repertory Theatre
Yale Repertory Theatre is currently presenting an uneven, but ultimately thunderous production of August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Set in Chicago in 1927, the plot concerns the singer Ma Rainey recording an album of songs, with several obstacles (including Ma Rainey’s temperament) getting in the way. The formidable Maiesha McQueen plays Ma Rainey and she certainly owns the stage when she is in a scene. The problem with this production is that, underneath August Wilson’s poetic, beautiful language, there doesn’t seem to be much going on dramatically early in the show. Instead of there being a slow, steady burn leading to the explosive conclusion, the performers are saying their words without any tension or danger percolating.
This is particularly surprising because director Timothy Douglas was an understudy at Yale Repertory Theatre when “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” was first produced. Also, with this staging, Douglas has accomplished the monumental feat of staging all ten of August Wilson’s plays. One can appreciate the energy of the actors, especially in the scenes in which the musicians are sitting around joking and reminiscing, but the performers seem to be on their own trying to put the play over. Happily, the last 30 minutes or so of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” are electrifying and can send an audience member out with their heart in their throat. But just know, at Yale Repertory Theatre’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” one sits through several scenes that simply don’t live up to this finale.
The first characters onstage are Sturdyvant, played by Neal Lerner, who is producing Ma Rainey’s album, as well as Irwin (Jeff Parker), who is Ma’s agent and in charge of dealing with everything going smoothly at the recording session. To say that things get bogged down in trying to get Ma Rainey vocals recorded is an understatement. Before Maiesha McQueen makes her grand entrance as Ma, the four musicians mostly sit around waiting for the recording session to begin. All of these actors make a strong impression, with one being a real standout.
The fine Terence Archie plays Cutler, who is the real driving force for the band. There is also the funny Ray Anthony Thomas, as Slow Drag, on bass, as well as the impressive Dion Graham, as Toledo, on piano. Still, one performer really shines in this cast, and that is Jimmie J. J. Jeter, as the volatile trumpet player Levee, who is a live wire from beginning to end. Even when a scene is potentially falling a bit flat, Jeter is a wonder and, when things get truly powerful at the conclusion, this actor is almost a life force onstage.
Peter Bisgaier has a bit as a policeman and, when Ma finally arrives at the studio, she has in her entourage her girlfriend Dussie May (Brittany Antoinette Davis) and her nephew Sylvester (Mark Yarde), who has a severe stuttering problem. Unfortunately, in the show, these performers don’t really get the chance to fulfill their potential, which is more a fault of the production than it is of these actors.
Of course, McQueen lives up to her character of Ma Rainey and the scene when she finally gets to sing “The Black Bottom” positively sizzles. One almost wishes that there were more full-out musical moments in the show. Nonetheless, McQueen throws her personality around and she has the power to bring this part fully to life. The excellent costume designer Toni-Leslie James has fashioned gorgeous gowns for Ma, as well as distinctive and character enhancing costumes for all the other performers. The show itself looks great, complete with an imposing, multi-level set designed by Richard Lee and smoky and evocative lighting by Amanda Burtness.
Nonetheless, these qualities are on the surface, as are some of the opening scenes. That said, when things slide into gear rather late in the show, around the time everyone is waiting to get paid, this “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” scorches the stage and it is almost impossible not to be rattled by the tragedy and commotion that takes place. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” at Yale Repertory Theatre will definitely send you out on an emotional high, but this show is nevertheless a real mixed bag. On balance, the production is still worth seeing for the virtues it does possess and the fact that the finale is truly such a knockout.
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” runs through October 24, 2026, at Yale Repertory, University Theatre, 222 York St., New Haven CT. For tickets and information, please call 203-432-1234 or visit Yalerep.org.
Photo: Maiesha McQueen
Photo by Joan Marcus
