Theater Review
Ragtime
A riveting romp through turn-of-the-century America
By Andrea ParkerContributing Writer
With its stunning cast and
visual complexity, "Ragtime" is a hallmark for the new American musical
standard. "Ragtime's" depth of character and willingness to tackle the
tough issues of racism and prejudice add to the strength of its talented
cast and it's powerfully emotional score.Based on the classic novel
by E.L. Doctorow, "Ragtime" is an epic musical in which the characters must
confront racism, prejudice and the quickly changing tide of American
society during the turn of the century. "Ragtime" contrasts the wealth of
a new industrial class, headed by J.P. Morgan and Henry Ford, with the
poverty of Ellis Island immigrants and Harlem's struggle for equality in an
ever increasingly bigoted society. Labor Union strikes contrast the
flamboyance of vaudeville star Evelyn Nesbit and escape artist Harry
Houdini, representing the new American ideals of freedom through work and a
yearning to escape to the past.Directed by Frank Galati
and choreographed by Graciela Daniele, "Ragtime" weaves together the
multiple story lines from Doctorow's novel into a tapestry of emotion and
courage, during a time of upheaval and change.One of the many themes in
this musical adaptation, with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn
Ahrens, is the ability to change. The wealthy characters are faced with
the dilemma that their way of life is becoming a thing of the past. Their
world of isolation is being crowded in by the growth of New York City and
the residents of New Rochelle can no longer keep their eyes closed and
pretend that "there are no negroes, there are no immigrants".As their starched white
world becomes more and more out dated, the wealthy industrial class must
choose to either bury their heads in the sand and ignore the new
syncopation of the times, or roll with this new rhythm of ragtime and
change. It is during one of these
moments of choice that this picturesque and eloquent musical begins.
Mother(played gracefully by Marcia Mitzman Gaven) is left at home by
Father(played by John Dossett), who has just begun a year long expedition
to the North Pole. While gardening, Mother finds an abandoned negro baby
in her flower bed, and soon takes both the baby and his mother, Sarah
(played passionately by LaChanze) under her wing, much to the dismay of her
family and friends.It is soon discovered that
ragtime musician Coalhouse Walker, Jr. (played by Brian Stokes Mitchell) is
Sarah's lover and father to her child, and once he learns that Sarah is in
New Rochelle, he begins weekly visits to try and win back Sarah's love.It is on one such visit
that Coalhouse is stopped by the local firemen and harassed. The firemen
demand that Coalhouse pay a road tax and when he refuses, they destroy his
brand new car. Frustrated by the lack of justice, Coalhouse begins a
killing spree and becomes a fugitive."Ragtime" would be
complete with just this story line, but there are two others running
simultaneously. One is that of the struggling labor unions, led by
activist Emma Goldman (played by Judy Kaye), who rally in revolt to the
oppressive factory conditions. Another is the story of Tateh and his
daughter. Tateh (John Rubinstein) and his little girl (Danielle Wiener)
have just immigrated to the United States and realize that the streets are
not paved with gold and that the winters are just as cold in america as any
where else. Yet Tateh's spirit cannot be broken and he struggles from city
to city in search of employment and prosperity.Brought to the Shubert by
Canada's Livent, Inc. this $11.5 million dollar production does not loose
it's heart among all of it's fine gadgetry and technology. "Ragtime" is
engaging, touching and thought provoking as well as grand entertainment.
"Ragtime" is the second collaboration between Ahrens and Flaherty, whose
first work was the soulful, Tony Award nominated "Once on this Island".
Tony Award winning Terrence McNally contributes a witty and poignant book,
which complements the delicate work of Ahrens and Flaherty.Livent Inc.'s "Ragtime",
the same company which brought "Showboat" to the Ahmanson last fall, is
simply delicious. From it's cast to the staging, from the sets to the
costumes, "Ragtime" is a feast for the heart. The music is epic and
touching and the lyrics poignant. The characters are fully developed which
provides for rich moments of interaction on stage. The actors are not
afraid to connect with and affect one another and so the performance is
fresh and alive with possibilities. The superb cast brings the
story to life with grace and conviction. John Rubinstein is heartbreaking
as Tateh, the Jewish immigrant whose dreams keep him alive through poverty
and despair. Marcia Mitzman Gaven is graceful and lovely as the strong
willed Mother, who must find her own dreams again. Brian Stokes Mitchell
is passionate in his portrayal of Coalhouse Walker, Jr. and LaCahnze is
equally as passionate and powerful as his lover, Sarah. Scott Carollo as
Mother's Younger Brother provides yet another voice in the sea of change by
searching for meaning and purpose to his life.Set design by Eugene Lee is
a contrast between the cold, hard steel that was forming the backbone of
American, against the sweeping skyscapes which offer warmth and hope for
tomorrow. Costumes by Santo Loquasto are splendid. Sound design by
Jonathan Deans and lighting by Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhower complete
this stunning production.Grade: A"Ragtime" performs Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Shubert Theatre. Tickets are available at the box office or by calling Tele-Charge at (800) 447-7400.