Exclusive: Netflix‘s feature adaptation of the play The Piano Lesson out of August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle” has added six to its cast: Malik J. Ali (Swagger), Gail Bean (Snowfall), Jerrika Hinton (Hunters), Stephan James (If Beale Street Could Talk), Jay Peterson (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It) and Matrell Smith (The Equalizer).
The casting announcement follows Tuesday’s for four-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Erykah Badu, who will make a cameo appearance with musical performances. John David Washington and Samuel L. Jackson lead the film after starring in a Broadway revival of the play which brought the latter a Tony Award nomination, with Ray Fisher, Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts and Corey Hawkins rounding out the ensemble.
Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson centers on the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano,...
The casting announcement follows Tuesday’s for four-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Erykah Badu, who will make a cameo appearance with musical performances. John David Washington and Samuel L. Jackson lead the film after starring in a Broadway revival of the play which brought the latter a Tony Award nomination, with Ray Fisher, Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts and Corey Hawkins rounding out the ensemble.
Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson centers on the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano,...
- 6/1/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Grammy winner Erykah Badu has joined the all-star ensemble for Netflix’s feature adaptation of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson.”
The singer-songwriter (“What Men Want”) will make a cameo, delivering “her soulful sound and eclectic style” with musical performances in the film,” starring Oscar winner Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington.
Jackson and Washington reprise their roles from the highly successful Broadway revival of Wilson’s play, which recently received two Tony Award nominations (best revival of a play and best performance by an actor in a featured role in a play for Jackson).
Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, “The Piano Lesson” follows the lives of the Charles family, a household led by Doaker Charles (Jackson), and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor. Washington plays Boy Willie, Doaker’s nephew, a role Jackson originated in the 1987 production.
The singer-songwriter (“What Men Want”) will make a cameo, delivering “her soulful sound and eclectic style” with musical performances in the film,” starring Oscar winner Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington.
Jackson and Washington reprise their roles from the highly successful Broadway revival of Wilson’s play, which recently received two Tony Award nominations (best revival of a play and best performance by an actor in a featured role in a play for Jackson).
Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, “The Piano Lesson” follows the lives of the Charles family, a household led by Doaker Charles (Jackson), and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor. Washington plays Boy Willie, Doaker’s nephew, a role Jackson originated in the 1987 production.
- 5/30/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Four-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Erykah Badu (What Men Want) has been set to make a cameo appearance with musical performances in Netflix‘s film The Piano Lesson, based on the play by August Wilson.
Leading the pic, as previously announced, are John David Washington and Samuel L. Jackson, who starred in a Broadway revival of the play at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, which has just recently landed Tony noms for Best Revival of a Play and Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Jackson).
Part of Wilson’s famed 10-play “American Century Cycle,” also encompassing such titles as Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Piano Lesson is set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression. The film centers on the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor.
Leading the pic, as previously announced, are John David Washington and Samuel L. Jackson, who starred in a Broadway revival of the play at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, which has just recently landed Tony noms for Best Revival of a Play and Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Jackson).
Part of Wilson’s famed 10-play “American Century Cycle,” also encompassing such titles as Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Piano Lesson is set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression. The film centers on the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor.
- 5/30/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington are set to team up to star in Netflix’s adaptation of August Wilson’s play ‘The Piano Lesson.’
The pair will reprise their roles from the highly successful Broadway revival of Wilson’s play, which recently concluded its run at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, the story follows the lives of the Charles family, a household led by Doaker Charles (Jackson), and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor. Washington plays Boy Willie, Doaker’s nephew, a role Jackson originated in the 1987 production.
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Malcolm Washington will direct from a screenplay he adapted with Virgil Williams. The film also stars Ray Fisher, Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts and Corey Hawkins.
Academy Award winner Denzel Washington...
The pair will reprise their roles from the highly successful Broadway revival of Wilson’s play, which recently concluded its run at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, the story follows the lives of the Charles family, a household led by Doaker Charles (Jackson), and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor. Washington plays Boy Willie, Doaker’s nephew, a role Jackson originated in the 1987 production.
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Malcolm Washington will direct from a screenplay he adapted with Virgil Williams. The film also stars Ray Fisher, Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts and Corey Hawkins.
Academy Award winner Denzel Washington...
- 4/14/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington have reportedly been cast in the Netflix adaptation of ‘The Piano Lesson’. The ‘Pulp Fiction’ star, 74, and the ‘Tenant’ star, 38, are to reprise their roles in the August Wilson play that they originated on Broadway.According to Variety, The pair will join a star-studded cast including Ray Fisher, Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts and Corey Hawkins.The story is “set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson follows the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor.”John David will bring Boy Willie to life, the nephew of Doaker - Samuel's role in the original 1987 run. The movie - development of which was made public in 2021 - will be helmed by Malcolm Washington and includes an adapted script by Virgil Williams,...
- 4/14/2023
- by Clara Hill
- Bang Showbiz
Netflix is turning August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, The Piano Lesson, into a new film starring an all-star cast. John David Washington and Samuel L. Jackson star in the upcoming drama, with Ray Fisher (Justice League), Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), and Corey Hawkins (The Tragedy of Macbeth). Washington’s brother, Malcolm Washington, will make his screenwriting and directorial debut on the project.
The story takes place in 1936 Pittsburgh, after the Great Depression. The Piano Lesson revolves around the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, adorned with carvings by an enslaved ancestor. Throughout the tale, a brother and sister argue about what to do with the piano. One wants to sell the priceless instrument, while the other wants to keep the artifact in the family.
Virgil Williams (Mudbound) and Washington adapted the screenplay, with Constanza Romero, Jennifer Roth, and Katia Washington executive producing.
The story takes place in 1936 Pittsburgh, after the Great Depression. The Piano Lesson revolves around the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, adorned with carvings by an enslaved ancestor. Throughout the tale, a brother and sister argue about what to do with the piano. One wants to sell the priceless instrument, while the other wants to keep the artifact in the family.
Virgil Williams (Mudbound) and Washington adapted the screenplay, with Constanza Romero, Jennifer Roth, and Katia Washington executive producing.
- 4/13/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
The all-star cast for Netflix’s adaptation of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” has been revealed.
Oscar winner Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington will star in the feature film, reprising their roles from the highly successful Broadway revival of Wilson’s play, which recently concluded its run at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, “The Piano Lesson” follows the lives of the Charles family, a household led by Doaker Charles (Jackson), and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor. Washington plays Boy Willie, Doaker’s nephew, a role Jackson originated in the 1987 production.
The Netflix adaptation, announced in 2021, is directed by Malcolm Washington from a screenplay he adapted with Virgil Williams. The film also stars Ray Fisher, Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts and Corey Hawkins.
Fisher and Potts appeared alongside Jackson and Washington in the stage production,...
Oscar winner Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington will star in the feature film, reprising their roles from the highly successful Broadway revival of Wilson’s play, which recently concluded its run at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, “The Piano Lesson” follows the lives of the Charles family, a household led by Doaker Charles (Jackson), and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor. Washington plays Boy Willie, Doaker’s nephew, a role Jackson originated in the 1987 production.
The Netflix adaptation, announced in 2021, is directed by Malcolm Washington from a screenplay he adapted with Virgil Williams. The film also stars Ray Fisher, Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts and Corey Hawkins.
Fisher and Potts appeared alongside Jackson and Washington in the stage production,...
- 4/13/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning stage play The Piano Lesson is set for a film adaptation for Netflix, with Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington starring after they wrapped a successful Broadway revival co-starring Danielle Brooks.
The film will also follow Netflix’s adaptation of another August Wilson play, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, which starred Viola Davis, who also appeared alongside John David Washington’s father, Denzel Washington, in a movie adaptation of another Wilson play, Fences. Denzel Washington and Davis also starred in the 2020 Netflix documentary Giving Voice, which explored the legacy of Wilson as a playwright.
Denzel’s son Malcolm Washington will direct the film adaptation of The Piano Lesson, based on a screenplay he penned with Virgil Williams. Denzel Washington will produce the film along with Todd Black.
The Piano Lesson screen adaptation follows Latanya Richardson Jackson directing her husband, Samuel L. Jackson, on Broadway...
The film will also follow Netflix’s adaptation of another August Wilson play, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, which starred Viola Davis, who also appeared alongside John David Washington’s father, Denzel Washington, in a movie adaptation of another Wilson play, Fences. Denzel Washington and Davis also starred in the 2020 Netflix documentary Giving Voice, which explored the legacy of Wilson as a playwright.
Denzel’s son Malcolm Washington will direct the film adaptation of The Piano Lesson, based on a screenplay he penned with Virgil Williams. Denzel Washington will produce the film along with Todd Black.
The Piano Lesson screen adaptation follows Latanya Richardson Jackson directing her husband, Samuel L. Jackson, on Broadway...
- 4/13/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington to Star in August Wilson’s ‘The Piano Lesson’ at Netflix
August Wilson’s classic play “The Piano Lesson” will be getting another feature film adaptation, this time courtesy of Netflix.
The star-packed adaptation of the 1930s-set melodrama will feature Samuel Jackson and John David Washington with Ray Fisher, Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts and Corey Hawkins offering support. Produced by Todd Black and Denzel Washington, the film will be directed and co-written by Malcolm Washington, with Virgil Williams serving as the co-writer. Constanza Romero, Jennifer Roth and Katia Washington will serve as executive producers.
Set in Pittsburgh in the aftermath of the Great Depression, “The Piano Lesson” follows the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor. The Broadway revival, which starred Jackson and Washington, recently ended its run at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre after playing 27 previews and 124 regular performances. The production is...
The star-packed adaptation of the 1930s-set melodrama will feature Samuel Jackson and John David Washington with Ray Fisher, Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts and Corey Hawkins offering support. Produced by Todd Black and Denzel Washington, the film will be directed and co-written by Malcolm Washington, with Virgil Williams serving as the co-writer. Constanza Romero, Jennifer Roth and Katia Washington will serve as executive producers.
Set in Pittsburgh in the aftermath of the Great Depression, “The Piano Lesson” follows the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor. The Broadway revival, which starred Jackson and Washington, recently ended its run at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre after playing 27 previews and 124 regular performances. The production is...
- 4/13/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
John David Washington (BlacKkKlansman) is set to star opposite Honorary Oscar winner Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction) in The Piano Lesson — a Netflix film adaptation of August Wilson’s classic play, which will mark the feature directorial and screenwriting debut of his brother, Malcolm Washington. Pic’s starry ensemble will also include Ray Fisher (Rebel Moon), Danielle Deadwyler (Till), Michael Potts (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) and Corey Hawkins (The Tragedy of Macbeth).
Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson follows the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor.
Virgil Williams (Mudbound) and Washington adapted the screenplay for the film, to be exec produced by Constanza Romero, Jennifer Roth and Katia Washington, which will mark the latest in a series of stage-to-screen adaptations of Wilson’s...
Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson follows the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor.
Virgil Williams (Mudbound) and Washington adapted the screenplay for the film, to be exec produced by Constanza Romero, Jennifer Roth and Katia Washington, which will mark the latest in a series of stage-to-screen adaptations of Wilson’s...
- 4/13/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“August Wilson had this amazing innate ability to capture our history, our story, our cultures, our dreams, our hopes, our fears, our wants and desires — all of it within the American Century cycle,” The Piano Lesson producer Brian Anthony Moreland tells The Hollywood Reporter over the phone in December. “But what sets The Piano Lesson apart [in the Century Cycle] is easy. It’s legacy. It has always been about legacy.”
Since opening in October, The Piano Lesson has offered theatergoers a chance to reexamine both the legacy and lessons of all of Wilson’s work through its single story — now the late writer’s highest-grossing play on Broadway and highest-grossing revival of any play this season. It’s an opportunity that has brought to the fore the unique relationship the playwright’s work frequently has not only with audiences, but the Black artists across generations who serve as the beneficiaries and guardians of...
Since opening in October, The Piano Lesson has offered theatergoers a chance to reexamine both the legacy and lessons of all of Wilson’s work through its single story — now the late writer’s highest-grossing play on Broadway and highest-grossing revival of any play this season. It’s an opportunity that has brought to the fore the unique relationship the playwright’s work frequently has not only with audiences, but the Black artists across generations who serve as the beneficiaries and guardians of...
- 1/8/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix has delayed a virtual preview event that had been scheduled for Monday for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” following the tragic death on Friday of Chadwick Boseman, who co-stars in the movie alongside Viola Davis and Colman Domingo.
Boseman died Friday of colon cancer, a diagnosis that he kept entirely private, which magnified the shock of his passing at the age of 43. Boseman was a major rising star who broke screen barriers for Black actors in 2018 with his lead role in the Marvel superhero movie “Black Panther.”
The acclaimed August Wilson play “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” set in the late 1920s around the pioneering “queen of the blues” (played by Davis) and her band members, is destined to be one of Boseman’s last screen performances.
He plays Levee, a talented but troubled trumpet player who has an eye for Rainey’s girlfriend and is determined to stake his own claim on the music industry.
Boseman died Friday of colon cancer, a diagnosis that he kept entirely private, which magnified the shock of his passing at the age of 43. Boseman was a major rising star who broke screen barriers for Black actors in 2018 with his lead role in the Marvel superhero movie “Black Panther.”
The acclaimed August Wilson play “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” set in the late 1920s around the pioneering “queen of the blues” (played by Davis) and her band members, is destined to be one of Boseman’s last screen performances.
He plays Levee, a talented but troubled trumpet player who has an eye for Rainey’s girlfriend and is determined to stake his own claim on the music industry.
- 8/29/2020
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has acquired the documentary “Giving Voice” and will release it on the streaming service later this year.
“Giving Voice” won the Sundance Film Festival favorite award, a plaudit that’s selected by audience votes from the 128 features screened at the 2020 event.
Directed by James D. Stern and Fernando Villena, “Giving Voice” follows the lives of six students as they compete against fellow high schoolers from around the country in the August Wilson Monologue Competition in New York City. It features the original song “Never Break” performed by John Legend.
“This is my fifth project with Netflix and nothing thrills me more than to be able to bring ‘Giving Voice’ to a place that I consider home,” Stern said.
The movie was produced by Endgame Entertainment and Pilgrim Media Group Production, in association with Endeavor Content, Impact Partners, Get Lifted Film Co and JuVee Productions. Stern and Villena also produced the film,...
“Giving Voice” won the Sundance Film Festival favorite award, a plaudit that’s selected by audience votes from the 128 features screened at the 2020 event.
Directed by James D. Stern and Fernando Villena, “Giving Voice” follows the lives of six students as they compete against fellow high schoolers from around the country in the August Wilson Monologue Competition in New York City. It features the original song “Never Break” performed by John Legend.
“This is my fifth project with Netflix and nothing thrills me more than to be able to bring ‘Giving Voice’ to a place that I consider home,” Stern said.
The movie was produced by Endgame Entertainment and Pilgrim Media Group Production, in association with Endeavor Content, Impact Partners, Get Lifted Film Co and JuVee Productions. Stern and Villena also produced the film,...
- 6/18/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has acquired the worldwide rights to “Giving Voice,” a documentary about the August Wilson Monologue Competition that won the Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
“Giving Voice” is directed by James D. Stern and Fernando Villena and follows six students as they advance through the monologue competition, which highlights the work of the playwright behind “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson” and allows winners the chance to perform at the August Wilson Theater on Broadway.
The documentary specifically looks at students from public schools pursuing careers in performance arts, and it uses Wilson’s words to focus on the black experience in America and how words and voices can be ignited to inspire change. Netflix plans to release “Giving Voice” later this year.
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“This is my fifth project...
“Giving Voice” is directed by James D. Stern and Fernando Villena and follows six students as they advance through the monologue competition, which highlights the work of the playwright behind “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson” and allows winners the chance to perform at the August Wilson Theater on Broadway.
The documentary specifically looks at students from public schools pursuing careers in performance arts, and it uses Wilson’s words to focus on the black experience in America and how words and voices can be ignited to inspire change. Netflix plans to release “Giving Voice” later this year.
Also Read: Watch Dave Chappelle Respond to George Floyd's Death in Surprise Netflix Special '8:46' (Video)
“This is my fifth project...
- 6/18/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Netflix has secured the right to Giving Voice, the James D. Stern and Fernando Villena-directed documentary which earned the Festival Favorite Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
The pic, which will be released in the streamer later this year, surrounds a new generation of performers and follows the emotional journey of six students as they advance through the high-stakes August Wilson Monologue Competition, an event that highlights the work of one of America’s preeminent playwrights. The national event brings Wilson’s work to public school students pursuing careers in the performance arts. The students who commit to the demanding and rewarding competition process are encouraged to explore themselves and the world around them through the monologues from Wilson’s century cycle of ten plays focused on the Black experience in America.
It also features an original song, Never Break, performed by John Legend and written Legend,...
The pic, which will be released in the streamer later this year, surrounds a new generation of performers and follows the emotional journey of six students as they advance through the high-stakes August Wilson Monologue Competition, an event that highlights the work of one of America’s preeminent playwrights. The national event brings Wilson’s work to public school students pursuing careers in the performance arts. The students who commit to the demanding and rewarding competition process are encouraged to explore themselves and the world around them through the monologues from Wilson’s century cycle of ten plays focused on the Black experience in America.
It also features an original song, Never Break, performed by John Legend and written Legend,...
- 6/18/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Dusan Brown has landed a lead role in Netflix’s “Black Bottom,” which also stars Viola Davis, Glynn Turman and Chadwick Boseman.
George C. Wolfe will direct while Todd Black, Dany Wolf and Denzel Washington will produce. Constanza Romero is executive producing. Academy Award winner Ann Roth is the costume designer and Branford Marsalis has been signed as the composer.
The story centers on Ma Rainey, the pioneering “Queen of the Blues,” while she was making a record in a studio in Chicago in 1927 with tensions boiling between her, her white agent and producer and her bandmates. The play on which the film is based won the 1985 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for best American play.
Ruben Santiago is adapting the play.
Brown appeared in the 2013 film “42” opposite Chadwick Boseman, and has guest starred on shows including “iZombie,” “Community” and “The Big Bang Theory.” On the theater side,...
George C. Wolfe will direct while Todd Black, Dany Wolf and Denzel Washington will produce. Constanza Romero is executive producing. Academy Award winner Ann Roth is the costume designer and Branford Marsalis has been signed as the composer.
The story centers on Ma Rainey, the pioneering “Queen of the Blues,” while she was making a record in a studio in Chicago in 1927 with tensions boiling between her, her white agent and producer and her bandmates. The play on which the film is based won the 1985 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for best American play.
Ruben Santiago is adapting the play.
Brown appeared in the 2013 film “42” opposite Chadwick Boseman, and has guest starred on shows including “iZombie,” “Community” and “The Big Bang Theory.” On the theater side,...
- 7/9/2019
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Taylour Paige, Jonny Coyne, Jeremy Shamos, and Dusan Brown have been added to the cast of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, the Denzel Washington-produced Netflix adaptation of August Wilson’s 1982 play.
They are joining previously announced Oscar winner Viola Davis, Black Panther’s Chadwick Boseman, Emmy winner Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo, and Michael Potts. George C. Wolfe, the director behind the Emmy nominated miniseries Lackawanna Blues and the Oprah Winfrey-starring HBO movie The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, is directing this project.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson adapted the screenplay which follows Ma Rainey, the “Mother of the Blues,” and the tensions that boil over between her white agent, her producer, and her bandmates while making a record in a studio in Chicago, 1927.
The play opened at Broadway’s Cort Theatre in...
They are joining previously announced Oscar winner Viola Davis, Black Panther’s Chadwick Boseman, Emmy winner Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo, and Michael Potts. George C. Wolfe, the director behind the Emmy nominated miniseries Lackawanna Blues and the Oprah Winfrey-starring HBO movie The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, is directing this project.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson adapted the screenplay which follows Ma Rainey, the “Mother of the Blues,” and the tensions that boil over between her white agent, her producer, and her bandmates while making a record in a studio in Chicago, 1927.
The play opened at Broadway’s Cort Theatre in...
- 7/2/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Filming on potential awards heavyweight set to start next month in Pittsburgh.
Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman have joined Netflix’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, a potential awards heavyweight and adaptation of August Wilson’s play of the same name that counts Denzel Washington among its producers.
Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo and Michael Potts will also star in the story of rising tensions when Ma Rainey, the “Queen of the Blues,” makes a record in a studio in Chicago, 1927, sparking aggravation among her, her white agent and producer, and band mates.
Rainey was a pioneering African-American professional blues singers...
Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman have joined Netflix’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, a potential awards heavyweight and adaptation of August Wilson’s play of the same name that counts Denzel Washington among its producers.
Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo and Michael Potts will also star in the story of rising tensions when Ma Rainey, the “Queen of the Blues,” makes a record in a studio in Chicago, 1927, sparking aggravation among her, her white agent and producer, and band mates.
Rainey was a pioneering African-American professional blues singers...
- 6/19/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman will star in the movie adaptation of the play “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” for Netflix.
George C. Wolfe (“Lackawanna Blues”) will direct from a script by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, based on the award-winning play by August Wilson. Other cast include Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo (“If Beale Street Could Talk”) and Michael Potts.
Denzel Washington is producing with Todd Black and Dany Wolf. Constanza Romero is executive producing. Academy Award winner Ann Roth is the costume designer and Branford Marsalis has been signed as the composer.
The story centers on Ma Rainey, the pioneering “Queen of the Blues,” during the time she is making a record in a studio in Chicago in 1927 with tensions boiling between her, her white agent and producer and her bandmates. The play won the 1985 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best American Play.
Netflix announced the project on Wednesday. Filming...
George C. Wolfe (“Lackawanna Blues”) will direct from a script by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, based on the award-winning play by August Wilson. Other cast include Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo (“If Beale Street Could Talk”) and Michael Potts.
Denzel Washington is producing with Todd Black and Dany Wolf. Constanza Romero is executive producing. Academy Award winner Ann Roth is the costume designer and Branford Marsalis has been signed as the composer.
The story centers on Ma Rainey, the pioneering “Queen of the Blues,” during the time she is making a record in a studio in Chicago in 1927 with tensions boiling between her, her white agent and producer and her bandmates. The play won the 1985 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best American Play.
Netflix announced the project on Wednesday. Filming...
- 6/19/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman to Star in August Wilson’s ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ Film for Netflix
Netflix is heading to 1920’s Chicago, adapting August Wilson’s award-winning play “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” into a feature film.
The streaming giant has landed Academy Award-winner Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman and Michael Potts to star in the film, which Denzel Washington will produce, alongside Todd Black and Dany Wolf.
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” was nominated for Best Play at 1985 Tony Awards. The play is one of August Wilson’s ten-play “Pittsburg Cycle,” each of which is set in a different decade and aims to present and explore the Black experience in the 20th century. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is the only one of the ten plays not set in Pittsburg. The streamer has additional rights to produce up to four more of Wilson’s plays.
Also Read: 'Paradise Blue' Theater Review: A Visit to Detroit's Black Bottom, Without Ma Rainey
“Fences,” for...
The streaming giant has landed Academy Award-winner Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman and Michael Potts to star in the film, which Denzel Washington will produce, alongside Todd Black and Dany Wolf.
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” was nominated for Best Play at 1985 Tony Awards. The play is one of August Wilson’s ten-play “Pittsburg Cycle,” each of which is set in a different decade and aims to present and explore the Black experience in the 20th century. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is the only one of the ten plays not set in Pittsburg. The streamer has additional rights to produce up to four more of Wilson’s plays.
Also Read: 'Paradise Blue' Theater Review: A Visit to Detroit's Black Bottom, Without Ma Rainey
“Fences,” for...
- 6/19/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Netflix will be making the feature adaptation of August Wilson’s award-winning play Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
Denzel Washington is producing the film and it’s a project he has long spoke about in development to Deadline with the original plan for nine of Wilson’s plays to be movies on HBO. That deal was moved over to Netflix.
Viola Davis, who won a best supporting actress Oscar for her work in Washington’s adaptation of Wilson’s Fences, will star in Ma Rainey along with Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo and Michael Potts. The project reteams Davis and Washington on their third Wilson endeavor after starring in both the 2010 Broadway revival of Fences and the 2016 film version, which he directed and also earned three Oscar noms. Davis and Washington both won Tony Awards for their roles.
Production starts next month in Pittsburgh.
Multiple Tony and DGA award...
Denzel Washington is producing the film and it’s a project he has long spoke about in development to Deadline with the original plan for nine of Wilson’s plays to be movies on HBO. That deal was moved over to Netflix.
Viola Davis, who won a best supporting actress Oscar for her work in Washington’s adaptation of Wilson’s Fences, will star in Ma Rainey along with Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo and Michael Potts. The project reteams Davis and Washington on their third Wilson endeavor after starring in both the 2010 Broadway revival of Fences and the 2016 film version, which he directed and also earned three Oscar noms. Davis and Washington both won Tony Awards for their roles.
Production starts next month in Pittsburgh.
Multiple Tony and DGA award...
- 6/19/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
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