Berkshire on Stage

by Suzanne Wells, special to Berkshire on Stage

“Ragtime, The Musical” is a dramatic, inspiring, and entertaining production by Goodspeed Musicals, directed by Christopher D. Betts. Representing three demographics during the Gilded Age of America—the wealthy, the immigrants, and the children of freed slaves—”Ragtime” captures the disappointments, struggles, hopes, and dreams of each as they strive to embrace the American ideal that all are welcome, and anyone can be successful.

The stage is set in a large room with cathedral ceilings, a second-level catwalk in front of long floor-to-ceiling windows, and a rolling staircase. This simple, elegant design by Emmie Finckel offers a myriad of locations, from ships docked in the harbor to salons in mansions to train stations. With the assistance of beautifully hand-painted backdrops, the open-air construct allows for outdoor scenes on city streets, parks, and roadsides.

The costume design by Stephanie Bahniuk transports the viewer to a time when the wealthy were clad in chiffon dresses with parasols, three-piece suits and top hats; immigrants struggled in the cottons and wools of their homelands; and colored folks, in their taffeta dresses and off-the-rack pinstripe suits celebrated life in Harlem dance halls. Background to the latter is the spectacular, star-spangled sequins of the vaudevillians.

The music, conducted by Adam Souza, superbly blends a variety of genres including ragtime, gospel, and traditional melodies. Choreography by Sara Edwards, with its varied kick lines and shadow waltzes is a sensational sight to behold.

Every actor of this 23-person cast plus ensemble deserves recognition for their exceptional performances.  Each member’s unique energy and skill in acting, singing, and dancing enhances the deep, emotional experience of this story. Michael Wordly’s portrayal of Coalhouse Walker, Jr, is powerful and poignant.  His deep, earthy voice reaches into the soul and extracts emotions of hope, joy, and sorrow.  Mamie Parris’ nuanced performance of strength and vulnerability establishes her character, “Mother,” the heart of the show.  As “Father,” Edward Watts is compelling with the evolution of his character from segregated elitist to a believer of equality.  Stephen Tewksbury’s versatility shines in his dual roles of “Grandfather,” providing comic relief, and of Irish immigrant, Willie Conklin engendering feelings of hatred and revulsion. 

“Ragtime, The Musical” is a testament to the power of theater to provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of the American experience, both then, and now.

“Ragtime” book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, based on the novel by E. L. Doctorow, directed by Christopher Betts, musical direction by Adam Souza, choreography by Sara Edwards. CAST: Sawyer Delaney as the Little Boy, David R. Gordon as Tateh, Brennyn Lark as Sarah, Behr Marshall as Younger Brother, Sofie Nesanelis as the Little Girl, Mamie Parris as Mother, Tiye Soleil as Coalhouse Walker III, Edward Watts as Father, Michael Wordly as Coalhouse Walker, Jr., Shaunice Maudlyn Alexander as Sarah’s friend, Jonathan Cobrda as Harry Houdini, Mia Gerachis as Evelyn Nesbit, Blair Goldberg as Emma Goldman, Denver Andre Taylor as Booker T. Washington, Stephen Tewksbury as Grandfather, Matt Wall as Henry Ford. ENSEMBLE: Jordan Alexander, Shaunice Maudlyn Alexander, Mia Bergstrom, Tommy Betz, Jodi Bluestein, Yophi Ada Bost, Jonathan Cobrda, Jalyn Crosby, Joseph Fierberg, Mia Gerachis, Blair Goldberg, Nathan Haltiwanger, Jeremiah Valentino Porter, Rory Shirley, Denver Andre Taylor, Stephen Tewksbury, Matt Wall. SWINGS: Henry H. Miller & Xavier Turner. Robin Louise Miller as Little Girl/Little Boy understudy. Greyson Wallace as Coalhouse Walker III cover.

CREATIVE TEAM: Scenic design by Emmie Finckel, costume design by Stephanie Bahniuk, lighting design by Charlie Morrison, wig, hair & make-up design by Tenel Dorset, sound design by Jay Hilton, intimacy consulting and fight direction by Kelsey Rainwater, dialect coach Jennifer Scapetis-Tycer, production stage manager Chris Zaccardi, assistant stage managers Willy Kinch & Lara Sato, casting by Hardt Casting.

Running April 25-June 16 at The Goodspeed, 6 Main Street, East Haddam, CT 06423. Performances: Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., (with select performances at 2:00 p.m.), Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (with select performances at 6:30 p.m.) Tickets: Start at $30.00. All prices subject to change based on availability. Goodspeed Box Office (860.873.8668) or online at goodspeed.org

PG-13 (Strong language, violence, adult content)

Content Warning: This production contains racist and offensive language, violence, and murder. Sensitive topics including racism and social inequities are depicted.