Round House Theatre, located at 4545 East‑West Highway in Bethesda, Maryland, is opening its 2026‑2027 season – and its 50th anniversary – with a new staging of August Wilson’s classic, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. The production runs from September 9 through October 11 and is presented in partnership with Olney Theatre Center, continuing a successful collaboration that began in 2016.

Local talent and award‑winning direction

Directed by Helen Hayes Award winner Lili‑Anne Brown, the show features local actress Nicole Michelle Haskins in the title role, supported by a strong ensemble that includes Ro Boddie, Zach Brewster‑Geisz, Chris Genebach, Yao Dogbe, Michael Glenn, Jaylen Henderson, Derrick Truby, Craig Wallace and Kanysha Williams. The creative team includes Music Director Cedric D. Lyles, Scenic Designer Arnel Sancianco, Costume Designer Samantha Jones, Lighting Designer Minjoo Kim, and Sound Designer Kevin Lee Alexander, among others.

Why Wilson’s work matters

Set in a 1927 Chicago recording studio, the play follows the “Mother of the Blues” and her band as they grapple with ambition, artistry, race and power. Wilson’s dialogue, described by Brown as “musical, deeply human and painfully relevant,” asks audiences to consider who profits from artistic talent and what is lost when dreams are repeatedly deferred.

Community impact

Round House Artistic Director Ryan Rilette notes that Wilson’s work has been central to the theatre’s artistic identity for decades, citing past productions such as Two Trains Running and How I Learned What I Learned. Olney Theatre Center Artistic Director Jason Loewith adds that the partnership will “entertain, challenge, and inspire audiences throughout the region.” Tickets are available by calling 240‑644‑1100 or online at roundhousetheatre.org.

Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.