THE ARTS ETC
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The Opera House Players, Inc.
present
RagtimeTHE MUSICAL
Music by Steven Flaherty, Lyrics by Lynn AhrensBook by Terrance McNally
Based on E. L. Doctorow’s novel RagtimeDirection by Sharon FitzHenry, Musical Direction by Bill Martin
May 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 2011 at 8 PM
May 8, 15, 22, 2011 at 2 PM
The winner of four Tony Awards and five Drama Desk Awards at the Broadway Premier in 1998
REVIEWED BY B. K. GRANT
I don’t know where to start; I was totally blown away!
'Ragime' delivered so much more than was expected.
A musical compilation of life and love, prejudice and hate, loyalty and betrayal,
stitched together by the intertwining of many lives.
As Act One opens, it is early in the twentieth century (Doctorow’s 1975 novel places the time during the first decade); Bill Martin and his orchestra nicely set the scene with a little Ragtime music. Clad in glorious period costumes (costumer Moonyean Field), three major groups are introduced: Bourgeois whites, African-Americans and European immigrants. All are striving to attain their own American Dream – success, equality and a better life.
Cast as Mother, Sue Dziura is wonderful in her first OHP production. As the middleclass representative living in New Rochelle, she exhibits concern and bewilderment at her husband’s decision to journey with Admiral Perry. While she deals with the possibility of being on her own for the next twelve months, she begins in small ways to assume responsibility for her family. She is shocked to find buried alive in the garden a newborn – a black newborn. The birth mother, Sarah. is found by police and Mother follows her heart and takes them both into her home.
J. J. Martin fills the bill perfectly as Father, a proud, stoical man who prefers that everything be in proper order. As he journeys with Admiral Perry out of New York City, a ‘rag ship’ passes by bringing hopeful immigrants into the harbor. Father wonders why these refugees from the other side of the world would come to America – they should make do with the life they had. On the incoming vessel we are introduced to Tateh, a poor, widowed Jewish man and his young daughter.
Tateh is determined to make a better life for his daughter, Little Girl, played by eight year old Maeve Jordan. She has no lines, but her gestures and facial expressions speak volumes.The key roll of Tateh is played by Luis Manzi; he masters the frustration and elation of an immigrant in a new land. As he begins to market his artistic ability, he questions the departure of the Admiral’s ship from the shores of this great new land of opportunity. Sprinkled among the immigrants on board are the infamous Harry Houdini (Andrew Small), the outspoken Emma Goldman (Jayne Newirth), dynamic Henry Ford (Matthew Falkowski, Sr.), the very rich and pompous J. P. Morgan (David Climo) and wacky chorus girl Evelyn Nesbitt (Sara Steiner). These history makers are woven into the story, having a direct effect on all the main characters.
In Harlem, a talented piano player, Coalhouse Walker, has resolved to win back his lovely Sarah. Jerrial Young in his debut performance nails Coalhouse’s gregarious, potent personality in chorus with his tender, sensitive side. His ‘new music , Ragtime, is all the rage, and has made him a success. He and the company perform “Getting’ Ready Rag” with great choreography, proving to be one of the high points of the first act. To confidently demonstrate his worth to Sarah, he purchases a Model T from Henry Ford.
Meanwhile, Sarah and her little one are surviving nicely in New Rochelle under Mother’s watchful eye. The lovely Chae-vonne Munroe completely captures Sarah’s determined yet loving nature. In the poignant number “Your Daddy’s Son”, Sarah, holding her infant, laments having left Coalhouse and fears for their future. Munroe pours forth such raw emotion; there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, this reviewer included.
Coalhouse and Sarah do find each other again and make plans as a family; the tender chemistry of the reunited couple unfortunately is interrupted by racial prejudices, causing chaos.
Act One ends tragically.
A furious Coalhouse waving a firearm opens Act Two, making demands for retribution, threatening to blow up the city. Father has returned from his voyage, is apprised of the situation and agrees to support Coalhouse in his fight for justice. Father is surprised that in his absence, Mother has become her own independent person, strong yet caring, and encourages him to be the same where their son is concerned. “What a Game” is a wonderful scene in which Father and son, along with a few other cronies, to our delight enjoy the great American pastime of baseball.
A wise Booker T. Washington (Joshua Thompson) influences Coalhouse to change his attitude in “Look What You’ve Done” and encourages him to think of his son’s legacy. Coalhouse agrees and pleads with his followers to “Make Them Hear You”, to understand that all men are created equal and racial prejudice should end.
The unfortunate events ending Act One were not uncommon in the early nineteen hundreds, and continued for decades after. This play seriously illustrates the importance of tradition and the need for independence. Director Sharon FitzHenry grabbed this bull by the horns and succeeded in presenting a powerful message regarding our personal interpretation of the American dream. Put Ragtime on your must-see list; call the box office at 860-292-6068.