Spherical Home Theatre and Olney Theatre Middle proceed their longstanding partnership with a co-production of August Wilson’s blistering masterpiece, Ma Rainey’s Black Backside. Directed by Helen Hayes Award winner Lili-Anne Brown (FELA!, additionally co-produced by Spherical Home and Olney), the story is broadly thought to be certainly one of Wilson’s most searing and enduring performs. The manufacturing runs September 9–October 11, 2026, at Spherical Home Theatre, which celebrates its fiftieth anniversary within the 2026-2027 season. Extra data and tickets could also be discovered right here.
That includes Nicole Michelle Haskins within the title position, alongside Ro Boddie, Zach Brewster-Geisz, Chris Genebach, Yao Dogbe, Michael Glenn, Jaylen Henderson, Derrick Truby, Craig Wallace, and Kanysha Williams, Ma Rainey’s Black Backside is set in a Chicago recording studio in 1927 and follows the legendary “Mom of the Blues” and her band via a single, tension-filled afternoon. As musicians conflict over ambition, artistry, race, and energy, Wilson’s electrifying dialogue builds towards a devastating conclusion that stays as pressing in the present day as when the play premiered in 1984. Stuffed with rousing blues music, sharp humor, and profound humanity, the play examines the exploitation of Black artists whereas celebrating the resilience and transformative energy of their artwork.
“There’s a well-worn phrase in Black tradition: ‘they need our rhythm, however not our blues.’ Ma Rainey’s Black Backside is a chic exploration of this sentiment,” says director Lili-Anne Brown. “Wilson’s writing is musical, deeply human and painfully related. It asks us to interrogate who will get valued, who will get to revenue, and what’s misplaced when goals are repeatedly deferred. Directing this play at Spherical Home is a chance to honor the legacy of so many iconic but unsung creators of American music, whereas inviting audiences right into a dialog that continues to be urgently necessary in the present day.”
The forged is joined by a dynamic artistic group that features: Music Director Cedric D. Lyles, Scenic Designer Arnel Sancianco, Costume Designer Samantha Jones, Lighting Designer Minjoo Kim,Sound Designer Kevin Lee Alexander, Affiliate Sound Designer Delaney Bray, Wigs and Make-up Designer LaShawn Melton, Dramaturg Naysan Mojgani, Affiliate Director and Intimacy/Battle Director Gregory Geffrard, Affiliate Lighting Designer Lily Tomasic, Stage Supervisor Che Wernsman, Assistant Stage Supervisor JuanCarlos Contreras, and Manufacturing Assistants Kennedi Hendrix and Peri Walker.
“Ma Rainey’s Black Backside is likely one of the most necessary and enduring works within the American theatrical canon and Wilson’s work has been central to Spherical Home’s creative id for many years, with acclaimed productions of Two Trains Operating, Gem of the Ocean, and the autobiographical How I Discovered What I Discovered, in addition to our 2023 manufacturing of Radio Golf,” says Ryan Rilette, Creative Director of Spherical Home Theatre. “Opening Spherical Home Theatre’s fiftieth Anniversary season with Ma Rainey celebrates 5 a long time of daring storytelling, and we’re thrilled to proceed our collaboration with Olney Theatre Middle, who’ve been such fantastic companions over time.”
“We’re delighted to associate as soon as once more with Spherical Home Theatre, constructing on a profitable collaboration that started with our 2016 co-production of Angels in America (Elements I and II), to create a theatrical occasion that can entertain, problem, and encourage audiences all through the area,” says Jason Loewith, Creative Director of Olney Theatre Middle.
ARTIST INFORMATION
August Wilson (Playwright) (April 27, 1945–October 2, 2005) authored Gem of the Ocean, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Ma Rainey’s Black Backside, The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Fences, Two Trains Operating, Jitney, King Hedley II, and Radio Golf. These works discover the heritage and expertise of African People, decade by decade, over the course of the twentieth century. His performs have been produced at regional theaters throughout the nation and everywhere in the world, in addition to on Broadway. In 2003, Mr. Wilson made his skilled stage debut in his one-man present, How I Discovered What I Discovered. Mr. Wilson’s works garnered many awards, together with Pulitzer Prizes for Fences (1987) and for The Piano Lesson (1990); a Tony Award for Fences; Nice Britain’s Olivier Award for Jitney; and eight New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Ma Rainey’s Black Backside, Fences, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, The Piano Lesson, Two Trains Operating, Seven Guitars, Jitney, and Radio Golf. Moreover, the forged recording of Ma Rainey’s Black Backside obtained a 1985 Grammy Award, and Mr. Wilson obtained a 1995 Emmy Award nomination for his screenplay adaptation of The Piano Lesson. Mr. Wilson’s early works included the one-act performs The Janitor, Recycle, The Coldest Day of the 12 months, Malcolm X, The Homecoming, and the musical satire Black Bart and the Sacred Hills. Mr. Wilson obtained many fellowships and awards, together with Rockefeller and Guggenheim Fellowships in Playwrighting, the Whiting Writers Award, 2003 Heinz Award, was awarded a 1999 Nationwide Humanities Medal by the President of the US, and obtained quite a few honorary levels from schools and universities, in addition to the one highschool diploma ever issued by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. He was an alumnus of New Dramatists, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a 1995 inductee into the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and on October 16, 2005, Broadway renamed the theater situated at 245 West 52nd Avenue because the August Wilson Theatre. Moreover, Mr. Wilson was posthumously inducted into the Theater Corridor of Fame in 2007. Mr. Wilson was born and raised within the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and lived in Seattle, Washington on the time of his loss of life. He’s instantly survived by his two daughters, Sakina Ansari and Azula Carmen Wilson, and his spouse, costume designer Constanza Romero.
Lili-Anne Brown (Director),a Chicago South Aspect native, works as a director, actor, and educator, and has carried out in, directed, and produced many award-winning exhibits in Chicago and nationally. Current directing credit embody: Carla Corridor; Please Underestimate Me (Olney Theatre Middle); The Wild Social gathering (New York Metropolis Middle ENCORES!); Fremont Ave (world premiere, Enviornment Stage and South Coast Rep), Eureka Day (TimeLine Theatre); Play On! (Signature Theatre); The Shade Purple, The Nacirema Society…, Faculty Women, and the world premieres of Ike Holter’s I Hate It Right here and Lottery Day (Goodman Theatre); Two Trains Operating (The Appearing Firm, Nat’l Tour); Dreamgirls (McCarter Theater and Goodspeed Musicals); FELA! (Olney Theatre/Spherical Home Theatre); Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (Huntington Theatre); and Ain’t No Mo’ (Woolly Mammoth and Baltimore CenterStage). She is the previous Creative Director of Bailiwick Chicago, the place she centered programming on new play improvement with resident playwrights and Chicago-premiere musicals. She has obtained two Helen Hayes Awards, 5 Jeff Awards, two BTA awards, and one African American Arts Alliance Award for excellence in directing. Inaugural recipient of the Walder Basis’s Platform Award and a 2021 recipient of the 3Arts Award for Theatre. Member of SDC, AEA, SAG-AFTRA, and a graduate of Northwestern College.
CAST INFORMATION (alphabetical)
Ro Boddie (Toledo) is thrilled to be returning to Spherical Home. Earlier Spherical Home credit embody Sally & Tom, Topdog/Underdog, The Mountaintop, Radio Golf, The Tempest, A Boy and His Soul, and “Grasp Harold” …and the Boys. DC credit embody The World to Come at Woolly Mammoth; The American 5 at Ford’s Theatre; Paradise Blue, Pipeline, Three Sisters, No Sisters, and Filth at Studio Theatre; Comedy of Errors at Shakespeare Theatre Firm; Tempestuous Parts at Enviornment Stage; and The Agitators at Mosaic Theater Firm. Off-Broadway credit embody Socrates at The Public and Seize The King at Classical Theatre of Harlem. Choose TV credit embody Godfather of Harlem, Run the World, and The Good Spouse. Ro is a proud alum of UNCSA. Co-founder of Imminent Theatre Firm.
Zach Brewster-Geisz (Policeman) is worked up to make his Spherical Home debut. DC work consists of: The Outsider (Helen Hayes nomination: Excellent Lead Performer) and The Minutes at Keegan Theatre; Indecent and The Chosen at 1st Stage; The Situations and If I Overlook at Studio Theatre; A Midsummer Night time’s Dream at Avant Bard; Annie Leap and the Library of Heaven at Rorschach Theatre; East of Eden and Richard III at NextStop Theatre; and Grand Concourse and The Explorers Membership at Prologue Theatre. Tv work consists of We Personal This Metropolis (HBO) and Woman within the Lake (Apple TV). He’s on the college on the Nationwide Conservatory of Dramatic Arts.
Yao Dogbe (Levee) is worked up to be returning to Spherical Home! Earlier Spherical Home credit embody Sales space in Topdog/Underdog, Gbenga in Nollywood Goals, David/Val in Ohio State Murders, and Kwame in Homebound. DC credit embody The American 5 at Ford’s Theatre; Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at Enviornment Stage Firm; and King Lear at Shakespeare Theatre Firm. Off-Broadway and regional credit embody The Physician at Park Avenue Armory; Nollywood Goals at MCC Theatre; Richard III, Twelfth Night time, and Macbeth at Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Fences at American Gamers Theatre; Cymbeline at Utah Shakespeare Competition; Intimate Attire at Northlight Theatre; and Fly at Capital Repertory Theatre. Helen Hayes Award for Excellent Lead Performer in a Play: Topdog/Underdog. TV/Movie: Darkish Matter (Apple TV). MFA: College of Houston, BA in High quality Arts: Norfolk State College.
Chris Genebach (Sturdyvant) is ecstatic to return to Spherical Home Theatre the place he beforehand appeared in The Seafarer and Ink. DC/DMV space credit embody a number of exhibits at Shakespeare Theatre Firm, Folger Theatre, Olney Theatre Middle, Signature Theatre, Woolly Mammoth, 1st Stage, Theatre Alliance, Mosaic Theatre, Studio Theatre, and Everyman Theatre. Chris’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credit embody Shining Metropolis and The Different Aspect at Manhattan Theatre Membership; and Rose Rage: Henry VI, Elements 1 2 & 3 at The Duke on forty second. His regional credit embody King Lear on the Goodman and a number of other exhibits at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, together with the North American premiere of Rose Rage: Henry VI Elements 1 2 & 3. Chris obtained his BFA schooling on the Theatre Faculty at DePaul College in Chicago.
Michael Glenn (Irvin) is honored to be returning to Spherical Home Theatre for this co-production with Olney Theatre Middle. His earlier work with Spherical Home consists of Guidelines for Residing (serving as Assistant Director), What the Structure Means to Me, The Seafarer, Ink (one other Olney co-production), Gem of the Ocean, Small Mouth Sounds, Stage Kiss, and THIS. Earlier productions at Olney Theatre Middle embody Tiger Fashion!, Marjorie Prime, and Neville’s Island. Different favourite previous credit within the DMV space embody Crimson Velvet with the Shakespeare Theatre Firm, Junk at Enviornment Stage, Jumpers for Goalposts at Studio Theatre, Brighton Seaside Memoirs at Theatre J, Sense & Sensibility on the Folger Shakespeare Library, Clybourne Park with Woolly Mammoth, and The Lieutenant of Inishmore at Signature Theatre.
Nicole Michelle Haskins (Ma Rainey) is so excited to be making her Spherical Home Theatre debut. Off-Broadway credit embody Cell at Eager Firm. Regional theatre credit embody a number of productions of The Shade Purple at Goodman Theatre (Jeff Award Nomination), The Muny (St. Louis Theatre Circle Winner), and Drury Lane Theatre (Jeff Award Winner); the U.S. premiere of Hopelessly Devoted at Piven Theatre; Caroline, or Change at Firebrand Theatre (Black Theatre Alliance Award Nomination); Spitfire Grill at Refuge Theatre Undertaking (Jeff Award Nomination); The Wiz at Kokandy Productions (Black Theatre Alliance Award Nomination, Jeff Award Nomination, and TimeOut Chicago Theatre Award Nomination); The Music Man, Father Comes Residence from the Wars Elements 1, 2, & 3, and Methods to Catch Creation at Goodman Theatre; and the world premiere of HeLa at Sideshow Theatre. Nicole is a former Steppenwolf Appearing Fellow and MOSAIC Youth Theatre of Detroit alum.
Jaylen Henderson (Sylvester) is thrilled to be making his Spherical Home Theatre debut! Current DC-area credit embody Othello in Othello at Port Tobacco Gamers; Dontrell Jones III in Dontrell, who Kissed the Sea at Sisters Freehold; and Arcadia and The Brothers Measurement at The Theatre Lab. Jaylen is a graduate of The Theatre Lab Honors Appearing Conservatory.
Derrick Truby (Sluggish-Drag) has appeared domestically in 1776 (Benjamin Franklin), Sister Act (Curtis), Little Store of Horrors (Seymour), A Christmas Carol (Fezziwig) at Ford’s Theatre; Play On! (Sweets) at Signature Theatre; The Merry Wives of Windsor (Easy) at Folger Theatre; A.D. 16 (Ensemble) at Olney Theatre Middle; Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in a Play! (Elephant) and Winnie the Pooh (Pooh) at Journey Theatre Firm; Be Extra Chill at Monumental Theatre Firm; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at Creativeness Stage; and Smokey Joe’s Café and Memphis (Bobby) at ArtsCentric, the place he’s a Firm Member. Regional credit embody Godspell (Jesus) at Nice Lakes Middle for the Arts.
Craig Wallace (Cutler) returns to Spherical Home after being seen in August Wilson’s Radio Golf, Ink, Stage Kiss, “Grasp Harold” … and the Boys, Little Prince, Desk Prime, Everlasting Assortment, and The Misanthrope. Different DC space credit embody quite a few productions at Shakespeare Theatre Firm, Ford’s Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Firm, Studio Theatre, and Enviornment Stage. Regional credit embody Berkeley Rep, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, and Shakespeare Santa Cruz. MFA: Pennsylvania State College and Royal Nationwide Theatre, London; BFA: Howard College.
Kanysha Williams (Dussie Mae) is so excited to be returning to Spherical Home! Earlier Spherical Home credit embody The Tempest and FELA! DC space credit embody Sister Act, Little Store of Horrors, and 1776 at Ford’s Theatre; Play On, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and Gun and Powder at Signature Theatre; and Macbeth In Stride at Shakespeare Theatre Firm. Regional credit embody The Shade Purple at Riverside Middle and Sister Act at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre. Kanysha is the co-host of the podcast Downstage Middle, and a recording artist beneath the identify KANYSHA. Her unique music is now accessible on all streaming platforms. Schooling: The Duke Ellington Faculty of the Arts, Washington Nationwide Opera Institute, The San Francisco Conservatory of Music, George Mason College.
UNDERSTUDIES (alphabetical)
Dominique Grey (Levee/Sylvester)
DeJeanette Horne (Cutler/Toledo)
Tre’mon Mills (Sluggish Drag)
Brendan Murray (Sturdyvant/Policeman)
Ma Rainey’s Black Backside, co-produced with Olney Theatre Middle, runs from September 9 - October 11, 2026, at Spherical Home Theatre, 4545 East-West Freeway, Bethesda, MD. Performances are Tuesday via Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Spherical Home is situated one block from Wisconsin Ave. and Metro’s Bethesda station. For instructions, parking, and public transportation data, go to RoundHouseTheatre.org/Go to-Us/
TICKETS: Tickets could be bought by calling 240.644.1100, ordering on-line, or visiting the field workplace. Accessible ticket reductions embody:
- Free Play (free tickets for college students ages 13 via school): Spherical Home Theatre’s Free Play initiative ties into our better technique to develop theatre audiences of tomorrow by offering wealthy, significant arts experiences in the present day. For extra data, go to RoundHouseTheatre.org/FreePlay or electronic mail Schooling@RoundHouseTheatre.org.
- On the Home (group ticket entry program): Spherical Home’s subsequent step to take away obstacles that may make it tough for some members of our group to expertise our work is On the Home, which supplies complimentary group tickets to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and community-serving organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. For extra data, go to www.roundhousetheatre.org/on-stage/on-the-house/ or electronic mail Neighborhood@RoundHouseTheatre.org
- Pay-What-You-Can performances: PWYC tickets go on sale on-line or by telephone solely (no walk-up gross sales) starting one week earlier than the primary efficiency of every present. The patron decides the admission worth. Restrict two tickets per order. PWYC tickets can be found for performances on September 9 (7:30pm) and 12 (2pm) and are topic to availability.
- Blue Star Theatre Program: Energetic-duty navy personnel, veterans, and their rapid household qualify for a $10 low cost off the only ticket worth. Be taught extra at RoundHouseTheatre.org/On-Stage/Tickets.
- 2-For-1 Tuesdays: For all Tuesday performances of Ma Rainey’s Black Backside, all seats are purchase one, get one free. 2-for-1 Tuesday tickets can be found on-line or by telephone (240.644.1100) with promo code TWOFORONE. Reductions will not be mixed. Not legitimate on beforehand bought tickets.
- Group Gross sales: Teams of 10 or extra can save 10% off the only ticket worth and are exempt from single ticket charges. These tickets should be reserved and bought upfront by calling 240.644.1100 or emailing GroupSales@RoundHouseTheatre.org.
A particular Black Out Efficiency shall be held on October 6 at 7:30pm.
ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES:
- Masks-required: Oct 10 (matinee)
- Audio-described: Sep 19 (matinee)
- Open-captioned: Sep 20 (matinee), Sep 26 (matinee)
PRE- & POST-SHOW DISCUSSIONS:
- Director Dialogue: Sep 11 at 6:45pm
- Designer Dialogue: Sep 9 at 6:45pm
- Put up-Present Discussions: Sep 9, 10, 20
ABOUT ROUND HOUSE THEATRE
Spherical Home Theatre is likely one of the main skilled theaters within the Washington, DC space, producing a season of latest performs, fashionable classics, and musicals for greater than 50,000 patrons annually at its theater in Bethesda. Spherical Home has been nominated for 253 Helen Hayes Awards and has received 60, together with 4 Excellent Resident Play Awards and the Charles MacArthur Award for Authentic New Play in 2016. Spherical Home’s lifelong studying and teaching programs serve greater than 5,000 college students annually at its Schooling Middle in Silver Spring, in colleges all through Montgomery County, and at its Bethesda theater. Cornerstone packages embody Free Play, which supplies free tickets for college students ages 13-college, the Teen Efficiency Firm, which culminates within the student-produced Sarah Metzger Memorial Play, Summer season Camp for college students in grades Okay-12, and a full slate of courses for adults and youth.
ABOUT OLNEY THEATRE CENTER
Based in 1938 as a summer time playhouse, Olney Theatre Middle now produces world and American premieres of performs and musicals, and reimaginings of acquainted titles year-round; presents the work of main corporations and artists; excursions nationally and domestically; teaches college students of all ages; and mentors a extra inclusive era of theater-makers. For greater than 8 a long time, Olney Theatre Middle has introduced impactful theater efficiency and schooling to its group, serving to to develop the vibrancy and vitality of its residence within the Washington, DC area.
Over time, a number of the greatest names in theater and movie have appeared on Olney phases, from Tallulah Bankhead and Helen Hayes to Uzo Aduba, Alan Cumming, and Robin de Jesus. Olney Theatre is now the cultural anchor of a quickly altering area and serves one of the various, greatest educated, and wealthiest counties within the nation. Located on the unceded land of the Piscataway-Conoy folks, the Olney space was as soon as a rural farming group with a singular Quaker heritage. Now the realm is occupied by each form of household that makes up twenty first century America, together with main companies, procuring districts, civic associations, non-profit organizations, and a various assortment of homes of worship. Montgomery County’s one million residents play a dynamic position within the Baltimore-Washington hall and are a driving power behind the area’s artistic economic system.
