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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).

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.

For Theater of the Mind: Performance buyouts are available for groups (16 or more). Groups save $10 on tickets as well as waived service fees email Groups@GoodmanTheatre.org for availability.

Tickets
Tickets

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

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
An older man in Victorian clothing and top hat stands in front of a holiday wreath with the text "Holiday Joy Past, Present, Future" on a snowy background.

A Christmas Carol

Nov 15 – Dec 31, 2025 in Albert Theatre

Holiday

Jan 31 – Mar 1, 2026 in Albert Theatre

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Feb 21 – Apr 5, 2026 in Owen Theatre
Red wax seal with an embossed upside-down cross and three drops of wax on a white background.

Covenant

May 2 – May 31, 2026 in Owen Theatre

Iceboy!

Jun 9 – Jul 19, 2026 in Albert Theatre