Turn the hands on the grandfather clock back in time to the turn-of-the-twentieth century in America when the dichotomy between the poor and the wealthy, the desperate and the hopeful, the prejudiced and the privileged was most pronounced. The sweeping grandeur and poignancy of “Ragtime The Musical” will follow a trio of families as they struggle to achieve the American dream
Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam has risen to the challenge and created a remarkable and exhilarating show for your entertainment until Sunday, June 15 and you must see its splendor for yourself. A new music craze, an abandoned baby boy, a time of hope and promise, and an era of civil unrest are all captured in an historical pageant of America at the turn of the twentieth century in the Tony-Award winning “Ragtime The Musical.” E. L. Doctorow’s novel, with a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens focuses on three divergent families, one upper class white, one Harlem colored, and one Jewish immigrant hopeful, whose paths cross and intersect in New Rochelle, New York in the early 1900’s.
This passionate parade of Americana “Ragtime” echoes an era that reverberated with the zeal of social reformer Emma Goldman, the courageous stance of Booker T. Washington as he tried to advance his people, the progressive Henry Ford who made automobiles an economic necessity, the magical illusionism of Harry Houdini, and the sensational notoriety of chorus star Evelyn Nesbitt.
“Ragtime” is a tintype or daguerreotype come to life, a montage of people and places and events frozen in the camera’s eye, as America grows, not always wisely or well, into a new nation. When Mother (Mamie Parris) discovers an abandoned black baby and chooses to protect him and his unwed mother Sarah (Brennyn Lark), she sets in motion a chain of incidents that are both tragic and heartfelt. Sarah’s lover Coalhouse (Michael Wordly), a musician by trade of the new musical craze ragtime, seeks her out, much to the dismay of Father (Edward Watts ), who had been exploring with Admiral Peary but is now home and displeased with the decisions made by his wife who showcases her independent spirit for the first time while he is away. Mother’s life has also collided with that of the Jewish immigrant Tateh (David R, Gordon), a silhouette artist, who is preoccupied keeping his motherless daughter (Sofie Nesanelis) alive. In the future he will be influenced by Emma Goldman’s (Blair Goldberg) reforms for workers and realize his own American dream. Come and make the acquaintance of the sensation burlesque queen Evelyn Nesbit (Mia Gerachis), Harry Houdini (Jonathan Cobrda), Henry Ford (Matt Wall), Booker T. Washington (Denver Andre Taylor ), J. P. Morgan (Tommy Betz), and Mother’s Younger Brother (Behr Marshall). Many actors play multiple roles and change frequently into the lovely costumes designed by Stephanie Bahniuk on the set designed by Emmie Finckel.
Songs sparkle and stimulate the heart strings throughout like “Journey On,” “Wheels of a Dream,” “Sarah Brown Eyes,” “Till We Reach That Day” and “Make Them Hear You.” Music and choreography spell out “Ragtime’s” soul in brilliant hues, thanks to the direction by Christopher D. Betts and the musical direction by Adam Souza and choreography by Sara Edwards. The richness and rightness of the voices shine with passion and power.
For tickets ($35 and up) call Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main Street, East Haddam at 860-873-8668 or online at www.goodspeed.org. Performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Let ”Ragtime’s” fever infect you as you jump on an American bandwagon for an historical and spirited ride you will long remember.
