Viola Davis, Colman Domingo, Chadwick Boseman to star in film adaptation of ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’

Posted by | Ray Cornelius

WOW! WOW! WOW!

Netflix is teaming up with Denzel Washington for the film adaptation of the August Wilson classic—Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. The project will be produced by the Oscar winning actor along with direction from Tony Award nominee George C. Wolfe and starring Oscar winning actress and Tony Award winner Viola Davis, Tony Award nominee Colman Domingo and Black Panther icon Chadwick Boseman.

According to the press release, the story will focus on Ma Rainey recording a record in 1927 Chicago, when tension erupts between her, her white agent and producer and bandmates.

The film will also feature the amazing talents of Glynn Turman and Michael Potts. Jazz icon Branford Marsalis will serve as the film’s musical composer while Tony Award winning actor Ruben Santiago-Hudson will pen the story.

The original theatrical production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom opened at Broadway’s Cort Theatre in October 1984 and played 276 performances before closing in June 1985. The Wiz and That’s My Mama star Theresa Merritt portrayed the “Mother of the Blues” alongside iconic actors Charles S. Dutton and Joe Seneca. The play was later revived in 2003 starring Dutton and the fabulous Whoopi Goldberg.

“I am beyond grateful to join this masterful film adaptation of one of my favorite August Wilson plays with these incredible artists,” said Colman Domingo in a statement. “Truly we are our ancestors wildest dreams.”

Filming for the project begins next month in Pittsburgh, PA.

RC will keep you posted as this project continues to develop.

Photo Credit: Engadget.com