'Ragtime - The Musical' at the Warner - My Review

Pictured: The cast of ‘Ragtime The Musical’ performs the title song Photo by Luke Haughwout

Full disclosure: I have never had the opportunity to review a show in which a family member appeared and I understand that some may accuse me of not being able to be completely objective. After careful consideration, I can assure my readers that I would have written virtually the same review had my son not gotten a part in the ensemble and I hope that you will read on.

Ragtime The Musical opens tomorrow night at the Warner Theatre in Torrington. The production is the culmination of months of preparation by the stellar cast of community theater veterans under the direction of the venerable Sharon A. Wilcox, to use again an adjective that I reserve only for her. It has been her ten year dream to have the opportunity to once again bring to life the show that holds a very special place in her heart. In her program notes she mentions that she loves the show “because it speaks to the heart of the ‘best’ America” as well as “to the hearts of audience members (and cast members, crew, volunteers alike) bringing us alternately to laughter, tears and cheers.”

This time around, the director decided to dare to dream. As I sat and watched the final dress rehearsal of the show that I have been watching take shape since its beginning notes, I was caught by surprise by my reaction. Given the scope of the 102 people involved, including 21 musicians in the outstanding orchestra under the direction of musical director Daniel M. Koch, the large number of sumptuous costumes designed by Renee C. Purdy, the magnificent lighting on the perfect set, and the depth of the talent of the huge cast, this could very well be a Broadway production I was witnessing...except on a much grander scale. It is a production not to be missed for all of those reasons and more.

This is a sweeping musical portrait of American life in the early 20th century that truly has it all. There is music by Shephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens that is certainly not all ragtime in style but is all beautiful and flawlessly performed by this cast. The emotional story based on the book of the same name by E.L. Doctorow is riveting and a little hard to take at times. The historical figures interact with a generically named family of New Rochelle, an immigrant father and daughter and a couple living in Harlem. They weave in and out of each others lives at a time when that was unusual and the action is punctuated with comedy, tragedy and historical events.

I got wrapped up in the small scenes that move the story forward and delighted in the unrelenting number of production numbers. Although it is hard to choose my favorite one, I loved the soaring harmonies of the trio in “Journey On,” the intensity of “A Shtetl Iz Amereke-Ellis Island,” and the first act closer “Til We Reach That Day” that gave me chills as it always did. In the second act, the comic relief of “What a Game” is a joy and the epilogue of “Ragtime/Wheels of a Dream-Reprise” is the perfect ending.

The ensemble plays a major role in this show and many of them took on minor roles with ease. From the smallest, nine year old Elisabeth Leifert, to the talented teens (one of which I could not be prouder) to the dedicated adults, each and every one gave it their all. They played gang members, immigrants, people of Harlem, sob sisters, Henry Ford workers, rallyers, chorines, newsboys, firemen and more. I am so glad that I will get to watch you all work your theatrical magic for five more performances.

Trevor Rinaldi gave a polished performance in the role of Little Boy and Kennedy Morris was a heartbreaker as Tateh’s Little Girl. Pat Spaulding played a stern Father and sang so very well. I laughed every time that Grandfather (Mark Pronovost) opened his mouth and Dan Porri could not have been more wonderful in the role of the immigrant Tateh who becomes a success.

Ryan Pipke showed off his wonderful voice in the role of Mother’s Younger Brother and made this role especially memorable for me. Gia Wright was a heartbreaking Sarah; I always enjoy her performances and this one is one of her best. The pivotal role of musician Coalhouse Walker, Jr. was masterfully played by the multi talented John C. Carter; I look forward to his future performances.

The lovely Rebekah Derrick was sublime in the role of Mother, the character who changes the most as the show progresses. Her vocal solos were soaring and the nuances in her performance memorable. She is another performer that I look forward to seeing again.

Rhiannon Carta was “the most beautiful woman in the world” Evelyn Nesbit and I continued to be so impressed with the level of this young lady’s performance. Priscilla Squiers was the feisty and funny Emma Goldman. Meric Martin (almost unrecognizable until he sings his first note) was the escape artist Harry Houdini and James Murphy was captivating in the role of the driven Henry Ford. George Murphy had the perfect voice for JP Morgan and Lyle Ressler was the short-lived Harry K. Thaw. Joe Harding was commanding in the role of the bigot Willie Conklin and Foster Evans Reese appeared as Matthew Henson. Karen Robinson showed off her amazing voice as Sarah’s Friend and the tiny Anthony Boswell stole our hearts as Coalhouse Walker III.

The simple black set designed by the director allowed the magnificent lighting (by Andrew Smith) to be showcased and the recurring motif of silhouettes could not have been more effective. Ms. Purdy and her crew have outdone themselves with the glorious costumes for the huge cast which included many changes for each member. I couldn’t wait to see what would come out next and kudos to the wig and millinery designers.

At the risk of repeating myself, this truly is worth the trip to Torrington to see a magnificent production of a magnificent musical. From the first note of the nine minute opening number, it will have you hooked. The Warner Theatre has opened its new season with a bang.

Show Times:
Saturday, November 1 @ 8 PM
Sunday, November 2 @ 2 PM
Friday, November 7 @ 8 PM
Saturday, November 8 @ 8 PM
Sunday, November 9 @ 2 PM

Tickets available at warnertheatre.org