There’s no question, George C. Wolfe’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is wonderfully lush and impeccably acted, despite suffering from some slight staginess. Which I guess is to be expected, seeing as how it’s adapted from the stage play of the same name. Regardless of some stiltedness, the biggest takeaways here are the A-grade performances. Viola Davis all but disappears in the role as Ma, making her almost unrecognizable as she sings and dances herself to certain award recognition. Meanwhile, Chadwick Boseman brings forth a palpable performance as Levee, a tormented optimist with pain and despair seeping from his eyes. Let’s just say the two put on an acting clinic for all would-be thespians. The script is equally effective mind you, powerfully navigating the black experience of the time. The monologues hit every time, always bringing the dramatic heft. In short – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a beautiful tragedy well worth tapping into.