Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Praise for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

“The play’s themes are not new to the stage…the black American search for identity…and the process by which any American sells his soul for what Arthur Miller calls the salesman’s dream. Mr. Wilson’s style, however, is all his own…. He has lighted a dramatic fuse that snakes and hisses through several anguished eras of American life. When the fuse reaches its explosive final destination, the audience is impaled by the impact.”—Frank Rich, The New York Times

“Extraordinary! Ma Rainey rides on the exultant notes of the blues!”—Jack Kroll, Newsweek

“What a joy! Brilliant…explosive! One of the most dramatically riveting plays I’ve seen in years. You must see it!”—William A Raidy, Newhouse newspapers

“A genuine work of art.”—Brendan Gill, The New Yorker

“Tremendous…magnificent!”—Clive Barnes, New York Post