Round House Theatre Will Extend Ma Rainey Production
The hit production will continue its run at the Bethesda venue through October 18.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in African-American
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Round House Theatre has announced an extension for its production of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. The play will now remain on stage in Bethesda through October 18, 2026.
Why it matters
This extension allows local audiences more time to engage with a foundational work of American theater. The production, a collaboration with Olney Theatre, brings renewed visibility to Wilson’s iconic storytelling.
August Wilson wrote this seminal work in 1982, initiating his ten-part Pittsburgh Cycle. The production is set in a 1927 Chicago recording studio.
The players
Round House Theatre
This professional theater company operates in Bethesda and is recognized for its diverse programming and regional artistic collaborations.
August Wilson
He was a celebrated American playwright whose ten-play Pittsburgh Cycle chronicles the African American experience throughout the twentieth century.
Nicole Michelle Haskins
She is the lead actress portraying the legendary blues singer Ma Rainey in this current production.
Lili-Anne Brown
She is the director responsible for helming this collaborative theatrical production.
Olney Theatre
This Maryland-based professional theater center co-produced the play alongside Round House Theatre.
The details
Directed by Lili-Anne Brown, the production features Nicole Michelle Haskins in the titular role of Ma Rainey. It marks a significant co-production effort between Round House Theatre and the Olney Theatre.
Timeline
The play is set in a Chicago recording studio in 1927.
August Wilson wrote the play in 1982.
The production run concludes at Round House Theatre on October 18, 2026.
Culture Shift
This production underscores the ongoing resurgence of classic American dramas on regional stages. It highlights a shift toward prioritizing foundational works that define the African American theatrical canon for modern audiences.
Residents have additional opportunities to secure tickets for the extended dates in Bethesda. Planning for the final performances is recommended, as the run will now conclude on October 18, 2026.
The takeaway
The extension of this production offers a vital opportunity to experience a cornerstone of the American stage in a local setting. Theatergoers should check booking availability early to ensure attendance before the final curtain on October 18.
Further reading
Explore more performances and cultural events on the African-American section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bethesda Magazine.
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