Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Reviews
Los Angeles Times- Highly Recommended
"...I wasn’t champing at the bit to see another production of “Ma Rainey’s,” but I’m glad I didn’t miss this latest Wilson revival at A Noise Within, directed by Gregg T. Daniel. Acted with breathtaking ensemble naturalness, the play seems lived in rather than performed."
Stage and Cinema- Highly Recommended
"...Ma Rainey was a real singer, billed as the “Mother of the Blues” and among the first black performers the recording industry decided it could profitably sell. August Wilson imagines one afternoon in 1927 when Ma arrives at a Chicago studio to record four songs. Her band is already there: Cutler (Kai A. Ealy) on trombone, Toledo (Gerald C. Rivers) on piano, Slow Drag (Alex Morris) on bass, and Levee (Jamar Gilbert) on trumpet. Upstairs sit studio owner Sturdyvant (Matt Foyer) and Ma’s manager, Irvin (Bert Emmett). They need Ma’s voice. They would simply prefer not to need Ma."
Stage Scene LA- Highly Recommended
"...My mind may have wandered during the second half of Act One of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, but when all is said and done, it’s a pretty darn spectacular season opener for A Noise Within."
Stage Raw- Highly Recommended
"...It is difficult to imagine this play being done any better. The ensemble is terrific, and the performances are robust and convincing. Liekhus sings with infectious passion and flair. Daniel’s excellent direction is complemented by fine work on the part of Christine Cover Ferro (costumes), Tesshi Nakagawa (Scenic Design), Ken Booth (Lighting Design) and Jeff Gardner (Lighting Design)."
Larchmont Buzz- Highly Recommended
"...When a master chef cooks with delicious and flavorful ingredients, the dish is an assured success. The same can be said for theatrical collaborations. When A Noise Within and their masterful production standards mixes with playwright August Wilson’s compelling narrative and director Gregg T. Daniel’s congruous vision, the result is magic. The collaboration continues to deliver the goods showcasing Wilson’s plays with one of his most well-known, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom."