Whoopi Goldberg Brings Her Black Bottom to London???

The upcoming Broadway revival of August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is expected to transfer to London in the second half of 2003, bringing with it Hollywood actress-comedienne Whoopi Goldberg to make her West End debut in the title role. Ma Rainey was the first of Wilson's dramas about the Black American experience to play on Broadway, where it was first seen in 1984. Revived next month at New York's Royale Theatre, running from 17 January to 29 June 2003, the play tells the story of blues singer Ma Rainey and the effect that racism has on the lives and careers of her and her fellow musicians. Last year's transfer of Wilson's Jitney to the National Theatre added an Olivier award to the playwright's collection of two Pulitzer Prizes, seven New York Drama Critics Awards and a Tony Award. His King Hedley is currently playing at north London's Tricycle Theatre, where it continues to 8 February 2003. Goldberg's acting credits include: on screen, The Color Purple, Sister Act, Boys on the Side and Ghost, for which she won an Oscar; and on stage, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

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