Latifah will play the famed blues singer in the film written and directed by Dee Rees.
"Bessie," according to Deadline.com, "chronicles how Smith overcame her tempestuous personal life to become one of the most acclaimed performing and recording artists of the 1920s and ’30s, earning the nickname Empress of the Blues."
Mo’Nique will play Ma Rainey with Dutton as William “Pa” Rainey and Epps as a bootlegger, who is also the romantic interest to Bessie.
A broadcast date has yet to be announced.
The top-grossing holidays have passed, but this year's performance is on track to reach new highs.
The program supports playwrights in recovery from substance use.
The concert performance of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic featured the Orchestra of St. Luke's.
The switch is part of a gift from the Diamonstein-Spielvogel Foundation that will fund the space's restoration.
The choral ensemble is giving the commissioned work a premiere alongside a performance of Fauré's Requiem.
The next full-time Helperbots will be announced at a later date.
The award honors female and non-binary playwrights who have written English language plays.
The stage version of Maggie O'Farrell's book is making its U.S. premiere in Chicago next month.
The company is presenting a new take on the James Joyce work at the Public Theater.
