Then there is Mother (Kelly Britt) and Father (Brian Hupp) - an American couple experiencing challenges, but who struggle to find the vocabulary to share this reality in an age that does not welcome marital troubles. Finally, there is Tateh (Dan Gold) and his young daughter (Omi Lichtenstein) – two immigrants who just hope to find opportunity. All three storylines begin separately, but weave into one over the course of the musical.
Later in the story, for example, Nothing Like the City captures the time when Tateh, Mother, and their children meet for the first time. They are in a train station, and while they are trying to be polite by keeping to themselves, Tateh and Mother find it tough not to observe one another. They are from two very different worlds, and the song celebrates their connections – particularly as two parents who simply want what is best for their children. Britt as Mother and Gold as Tateh elicit our laughter and applause as they try to sneak glances and use their children as excuses to connect.
Music Theater Works Uses Clever Stage Design
The three separate stories of Ragtime might be tough for some to follow at first. However, in this writer’s opinion, Stacey Flaster and the artistic team creatively help bring us along from moment to moment by how they stage the story. Two staircases roll across the stage, and represent various locations as the story unfolds. In the opening moments of the musical, the staircase is a physical manifestation of the lyrics to the opening song Journey On, representing the various boats carrying immigrants into Ellis Island, as well as Americans out to sea who wish to go on expeditions. Later in the musical, these same staircases represent fixtures in Father and Mother’s mansion, as well as the main structure for Coalhouse’s Jazz bar, and then later even transforms into the train that carries Tateh and his daughter to Boston so he might try his luck in a different trade. In these ways, the simple set designed by Sotirios Livaditis helps highlight for the audience how the various storylines all connect.
Just walking into the theater, you too might find it impossible not to be struck by the stage design which transforms the space into an art gallery – with paintings hanging in the back, and a small, white house suspended at the center. Depending on your familiarity of the show, you might notice the themes in the paintings parallel storylines to come. Later, Andrew Meyers’ Lighting Design adds a warm, intimate glow to the room.
Rich with Vocal Talents
With music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Ragtime features a score of famous tunes including Goodbye, My Love, New Music, Wheels of a Dream, and Look What You’ve Done. Many of the songs feature a large ensemble and standout solos. In this writer’s view, Ragtime’s score is no easy feat, and this cast of strong vocalists alone is a reason why Music Theater Works’ production is a must-see.
If you can’t tolerate musical theater this is not for you. For the rest of us, Ragtime is a strong production with standout performances making Music Theater Works’ production of Ragtime a night to remember.
