Directed by George C. Wolfe.
Starring Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo, Jeremy Shamos, Taylour Paige, Jonny Coyne, Michael Potts, and Dusan Brown.
SYNOPSIS:
It is 1927 and tensions are running high between Blues singer Ma Rainey (Viola Davis) and Levee her ambitiously outspoken trumpet player (Chadwick Boseman). As the recording session continues and her management team attempt to intercede things go from bad to worse.
This second entry in the August Wilson Century Cycle adaptations might be jam packed with performances, brimming over with jazz band pizazz and more vibrant than a nineteen twenties flapper convention, but victory remains bittersweet. It will forever be remembered as the last performance of Chadwick Boseman, who has been placed on a pedestal and lionised by millions. His place in this ensemble piece sees that status only grow in stature, as he provides Levee with a frail heartbreak born of frustration.
TribLIVE s Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox.
The latest Netflix adaptation of one of Pittsburgh native August Wilson’s plays, the filmed-in-Pittsburgh “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” stars Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman in a period piece that feels relevant and timely.
An almost unrecognizable Davis, jettisoning any semblance of vanity, stars as Ma Rainey, a real historical figure and one of the earliest African-American blues singers to record her performances in the 1920s.
Wilson’s 1982 play it made its Broadway debut in 1984 is set during one of Ma’s last recording sessions where her approach to business (do it Ma’s way) clashes with brash upstart trumpeter Levee (Boseman), who tries to ingratiate himself to the record’s white producer by giving the producer what he wants.
Ma Rainey s Black Bottom review – Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis share the spotlight msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.