“When A Noise Within and their masterful production standards mixes with playwright August Wilson’s compelling narrative and director Gregg T. Daniel’s congruous vision, the result is magic.”
By Carol M. BeckerSep 3, 2026Full Review
PLAYREGIONALCLOSED
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
A Noise Within, Pasadena, CA
Opened Sep 1, 2026 · Closed Sep 20, 2026 · Ran for less than a month
Regional production: tracked as a buzzy, well-reviewed show that could transfer to Broadway.
4 Rave
1 Positive
Critics' Take
A Noise Within's production of August Wilson's masterwork earns acclaim for its masterful storytelling and compelling characters. Amber Liekhus sizzles as Ma Rainey, delivering show-stopping musical performances in this spectacular staging.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Critic Scorecard
5 reviews4 Rave
1 Positive
Sort:
Weighted by outlet tier · Counts
- Tier 1: 100%
- Tier 2: 75%
- Tier 3: 40%
- Tier 4: 20%
“It is difficult to imagine this play being done any better.”
By Lovell Estell IIISep 1, 2026Full Review
“Gilbert has to make Levee be magnetic enough that we understand his faith in himself and exhausting enough that we understand why the other musicians tire of hearing about it. He keeps both qualities alive.”
By Michael M. Landman-KarnySep 9, 2026Full Review
“The honesty of the acting is so enlivening that I'm tempted to rank this production among the very best Wilson revivals I've seen.”
By Charles McNultySep 2, 2026Full Review
“My mind may have wandered during the second half of Act One of August Wilson's Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, but when all is said and done, it’s a pretty darn spectacular season opener for A Noise Within.”
StageSceneLA StaffSep 1, 2026Full Review
