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DIRECTED BY CHUCK SMITH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AND MUSIC DIRECTOR HARRY J. LENNIX

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Mar 28 – Apr 26, 2026 in Goodman's Albert Theatre

“The more music you got in the world, the fuller it is.”

Ma Rainey’s band is waiting. It’s 1926 Chicago, and “The Mother of the Blues” takes her time getting ready to record. Tensions and temperatures rise as the musicians recount tales of rage, joy, betrayal and faith in astonishing stories and a heart-stopping climax. Chicago legends Chuck Smith and Harry J. Lennix reunite for the play that smashed box office records in its 1997 Goodman premiere for this major revival of “a genuine American masterpiece” (Chicago Reader).

Recommended for ages 14+

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom contains themes of racism and includes racial slurs (the N-word), strong profanity, acts of violence, intimate moments of kissing and discussions about sexual content.

Group Tickets: Now available for 10+, email Groups@GoodmanTheatre.org for information on select discounted rates and perks.

Questions? Need help? Contact the box office at (312) 443-3800, 12noon – 5pm, daily.

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Creative Artists

Choose someone to see their bio and past Goodman productions.

Black and white headshot of August Wilson.

August Wilson

Playwright

Harry Lennix

Associate Director/Music Director

Chuck Smith

Director

A man with a shaved head and slight stubble looks into the camera, wearing a black jacket, standing in front of a blurred outdoor background.

Scott Aiello

Policeman / Understudy Sturdyvant

A woman with curly, highlighted hair wearing a black turtleneck sweater, looking at the camera with a slight smile against a light background.

E. Faye Butler

Ma Rainey

A middle-aged man with a shaved head, trimmed gray beard, and mustache, wearing a light green collared shirt, looks directly at the camera against a plain background.

David Alan Anderson

Cutler

A bald man with light skin and green eyes wearing a blue collared shirt looks directly at the camera against a black background.

Matt DeCaro

Sturdy

A middle-aged man with short dark hair wearing a light blue shirt and grey suit jacket, smiling at the camera against a plain background.

Marc Grapey

Irvin

A woman with straight black hair, wearing hoop earrings and a blue blazer, stands against a beige textured wall, looking confidently at the camera.

Tiffany Renee Johnson

Dussie Mae

A man with short curly hair and a trimmed beard wears a beige knit collared shirt and gold chain, facing the camera against a light background.

Jabari Khaliq

Sylvester

A man wearing a white cardigan, white shirt, and gold chain sits facing the camera with a neutral expression.

Al’Jaleel McGhee

Levee

A man with short hair and a light blue collared shirt looks directly at the camera with a neutral expression.

Kelvin Roston, Jr.

Toledo

An older man with short gray hair and a mustache looks directly at the camera with a neutral expression. He is wearing a dark shirt.

Cedric Young

Slow Drag

Special Events

Pre-show programming, unique performances, and related programming.

Friday, April 10 @ 6:00pm – 7:15pm

Ma Rainey’s Black Affinity Night

This event is designed for those who identify as Black and offers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural roots and musi…

Accessible & Enhanced Performances

Questions? Please contact (312) 443-3800 for voice, or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org. Visit our Accessibility Overview page for full details.

American Sign Language-Interpreted Performance
Friday, April 17 at 7:30pm

Use code SIGN for $44 ($35 ticket plus $9 handling fee)

Touch Tour and Audio-Described Performance
Saturday, April 18
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2:00pm Performance

Use code AUDIO for $44 ($35 ticket plus $9 handling fee)

Spanish Subtitles Performance
Saturday, April 18 at 7:30pm

Use code SPANISH for $44 ($35 ticket plus $9 handling fee)

Open-Captioned Performance
Sunday, April 19 at 2:00pm

Use code OPEN for $44 ($35 ticket plus $9 handling fee)

OUR CENTENNIAL 2025/2026 Season

For a century, the Goodman has been more than a theater—it’s been the heartbeat of Chicago. Where stories come alive and move us to dream bigger and feel deeper. Here, art doesn’t just entertain you—it awakens. This is The Goodman—where humanity takes center stage. Join us for the Centennial 25/26 Season.

Ashland Avenue

Sep 6 – Oct 19, 2025 in Albert Theatre

Revolution(s)

Oct 4 – Nov 22, 2025 in Owen Theatre
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A Christmas Carol

Nov 15 – Dec 31, 2025 in Albert Theatre

Holiday

Jan 31 – Mar 8, 2026 in Albert Theatre

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Feb 21 – Apr 5, 2026 in Owen Theatre
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Covenant

May 2 – May 31, 2026 in Owen Theatre

Iceboy!

Jun 9 – Jul 19, 2026 in Albert Theatre