Ragtime – Theater
Ragtime
By Robert Michael Sanders
Set in the Early 20th Century, Ragtime is a mix of history and fiction, all tied together with the real changes that were happening inAmerica, and set to energizing new music of the time period. The show won 2 Tony Awards for Best Musical Score & Best Book; Drama Desk Award winner for Best Musical and Best Score. Based on the novel by E. L. Doctorow
For most people Ragtime is the beginning ofAmerica. It was the start of the industrial revolution, the beginning of immigration, and racial tensions rose as black people, Jews, Irish and many others took their place in the melting pot that was to become our country.
Set in the mild back ground ofNew RochelleNY, the Piece follows several fictional characters of a well to do family of the time. Mother, Father, Younger brother, Grandfather, and a young boy named Edgar. The odd part here is that Edgar is the only one who is ever referred to by proper name. I think mostly just a creative choice. These people’s lives are played out with several other real personalities of the time including, Harry Houdini, Evelyn Nesbitt, Admiral Peary, J.P Morgan, Henry Ford and others. They all take their place in History as they did, while the fictional family embraces the time with passion.
A young black couple named Coalhouse Walker Jr, and Sarah, play out the love story of the piece as they have a 5 month courtship that takes place in mothers home. She welcomes them as part of the family which was extremely progressive for the time and not welcomed by most. But the challenges they faced are still relevant today. Although times have changed opinions about race and color were slower to transform.
Tateh, is the main immigrant who we follow from his country inLatviawhere he and his daughter escape toAmericain hopes of a better life. We find many of his fellows countrymen pained with the truth that life is equally as difficult here as a foreigner in a new land, and to succeed means to persevere and overcome adversity.
The story plays out with beautiful songs, such as Journey On, where the people pass each other on ships, to Daddy’s hands, Sarah’s ballad to her and coalhouse’s son, the time period changes. It becomes the struggles we all still face today, work, race, family, and the struggle for the America Dream. Later the story takes some darker turns as the struggles become more demanding and lives are at stake. Still we find the unity in songs like, Till We Reach That Day, and Wheels of a Dream.
The show itself is a huge undertaking, cover years of time, and several locations. With a racially mixed cast of almost 30 performers it is one of the most challenging to stage. Some audiences may even be taken back by the language, but theArvadaCenter’s production will stay true to the story and the accuracy of the history. The show requires it, and it makes the highs and lows even more pointed. This is truly a rollercoaster ride of emotions and will leave you feeling complete as if you have taken the entire journey with these characters.
Local standouts lead up the cast including Megan Van De Hey as Mother, Craig Lundquist as Father, Dan Langhoff as Little Brother, Wayne Kennedy as Tateh. As well as several seasoned actors from NY to round out the cast.
Directed by Rod A. Lansberry, with Choreography by Kitty Hillsabeck, and Music Direction from David Nehls, completes the stellar artistic team.
Ragtime runs in the Arvada Center Main Stage Theater, with previews Sept 9 – 11 shows run Sept 13 – Oct 2, talk backs on Friday, Sept 23 after 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday Sept 28 after 1:00 p.m. show
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