Theater Review: 'Ragtime' by Landmark Community Theatre

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Naugatuck Patch Neighbor Nancy Sasso Janis

Click to read on In The Wings 2.0

Landmark Community Theatre in Thomaston has chosen to present the magnificent “Ragtime” on the dainty Opera House stage. I had the honor of experiencing the beautiful opening night performance. The musical continues at the Thomaston Opera House through Oct. 18.

Foster Evans Reese directed this important show with the assistance of his wife Patti Guarantano. Reese also designed the authentic choreography. The director/choreographer reminds us in his printed program letter that “Ragtime” is an epic storytelling of three lives that collide in 1906 but “the interesting thing is these stories of immigration, and the treatment of people of color and women empowerment still resonate today.” Sadly, this is still true.

Reese goes on to point out the parallel stories of two men, with Coalhouse Walker “experiencing hope and heartbreak,” and Tateh always “showing patience and resilience.” This epic story is told through the lens of the beautiful Mother, “a woman who is the foundation upon which ‘Ragtime’ thrives. She realizes through a series of events she has changed, and because of this, she has to make changes in her own life.”

Ragtime features a book by Terrence McNally, based upon the 1975 novel of the same name by E.L. Doctorow. The stirring music was written by the team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, with the lyrics of Ahrens and music by Flaherty.

The directors have a clear vision for the production, and they manage to fit the 40-member cast (minus the musicians) onto the Opera House stage. The choreography shines throughout, but especially for “Gettin’ Ready Rag.” At times, the characters move about the tight space with the precision of a chess game while singing the sweeping score. The blocking makes use of the aisles most effectively and “The Trashing of the Car” requires that the automotive pieces are disassembled on stage.

Alyssa Fontana Bunel leads the cast in the beautiful role of Mother (“Back to Before.”) “Ragtime” is her first new production in over ten years. She works as an English teacher in Southington, where she also serves as the Director and Advisor of the Southington HS Drama Club. It was a special treat to witness her return to the stage in a major role.

Mensah Robinson possesses the resonant singing voice and commanding stage presence to play the role of Coalhouse Walker. His performance never falters in its strength. Robinson, who lives in Danbury, is a veteran of CT’s musical theatre community, as both an actor and director.

Meric Martin of Plainville takes on the role of the Jewish Latvian immigrant artist, Tateh, showing off his trained tenor singing voice. Martin studied Vocal Performance at WCSU and is an accomplished pit musician and music director. He is also the father of the young actress who plays Tateh’s daughter, Little Girl.

Samantha Rae Bass, a supremely talented performer and Cookeville, TN native, gives a heartbreakingly stunning performance as Sarah.

Ben Dressel performed the role of Mother’s Younger Brother wonderfully, despite not feeling his best. Dressel, who last performed with Landmark as Perchik in “Fiddler on the Roof,” is a talented performer who has been seen on many area stages. Dressel appeared in the ensemble (along with my youngest child) in the Warner Theatre production of “Ragtime” back in 2014.

What a special treat to see Eric Lindblom take on the role of the New Rochelle patriarch Father, who is a patriotic explorer who is also very well off. Lindblom is a high school English teacher and the dedicated host of “Backstage” on WZBG. He has a long list of theatrical credits and this one may be his best yet.

Olivia Johnson, who played Countess Lily in “Anastasia,” gives an impressive take on the role of Emma Goldman. Her bio indicates that she threw herself into learning about the life, history, and beliefs of this historical figure. Johnson is a graduate of The Hartt School and an English teacher in Newington.

Ty Scurry does admirable work with the role of Booker T. Washington. Scurry is a CT-based actor, vocalist, musician, director and educator, and also is the executive artistic director of FUSE Theatre of CT.

Vincent McCoy, a musical theatre performer with a host of credits, is back onstage in the role of the immigrant escape artist Harry Houdini. McCoy is a graduate of WCSU’s Musical Theatre program. Taylor Demski, an CT actress and vocalist, portrays the beautiful girl on the swing, Evelyn Nesbit.

In his Landmark debut, sixth grade student Archie Esposito plays The Little Boy (Edgar) with dedication and charm. Anneke Martin, a fifth-grade student making her Landmark debut, is a beautiful The Little Girl. Patrick Hearn, the co-director of the Golden Years Theater Company, nails the role of the cranky Grandfather with his superb comic timing.

In her Landmark debut, Melissa Paul-Perez sings beautifully as Sarah’s Friend, and educator Gianni Perugini (“Pretty Woman,”) does well with the role of Henry Ford. Chuck Stango appears as the wealthy JP Morgan, but also insisted on being part of the hysterical “Baseball.” Tiernan Shea makes his Landmark debut as he tackles the role of the Irish volunteer fireman Willie Conklin and River A. Alves runs onstage at the correct moment as the tiny Coalhouse Walker III.

The strong ensemble morphs into a multitude of supporting characters and include Jillian Alena (“Anastasia,) Halo winner Phoebe Amankwah, Amanda Benecchi, Jeremy Bond (“Fiddler.”) Josh Brooks (“All Shook Up” at 7A,) Michael P.M. Calabrese (director of “Anastasia,”) CJ Calzone (“Pretty Woman,”) Livia Carew (“The Crucible” at WCSU, City Youth Theater/City Stage Company founder Shelby C. Davis, Benjamin Fleury (“Pretty Woman,”) Chrissy Flynn (who plays Kathleen,) Aspen Hogrefe (“Fiddler,”) Matthew LeBlanc (“Mamma Mia! In 2017,) Katerina Levasseur (in her second production of “Ragtime,”) Tierra Lynn (Landmark debut,) Destiny Mea (who started Fifth Wall Stage Company with others,) Karen Robinson (an educator and Mensah’s wife,) Joshua Rodis (a talented guitar player returning to the stage after a ten-year hiatus,) Wendy Scola (in her Landmark debut,) Helen Seda (in her Landmark debut,) Daniel Tartora (“Miracle on 34th Street”), Stephanie Varanelli-Miles (who plays Houdini’s Mother) and William Wilson.

Gonzo was in charge of the sound design and Matt DeLong took care of the lovely lighting design. Ana LeGassey designed the period costumes that effectively set the look of the three distinct classes.

Sean Lewis is the music director, and he conducts the musicians in the downstairs pit on keys. John Dressel plays keys 2, with Matt Miskin on bass, Korey Hunter on drums/percussion, Kristen Lauria on reeds, Stephanie Ruddy on violin, Erin Sirica on trumpet and Claudia Diaz on trombone. Juan Cardona, Jr. is the talented Opera House organist.

“Great theater entertains; however, the best theater still has you thinking about what you experienced the next day.” - Foster Evan Reese, Director

I usually reserve a “must see” rave for a handful of the shows that I get to see each year, and “Ragtime” is one of them. Whether you have seen this musical or not, do as Landmark Community Theatre recommends: “Get your tickets, take your seat, and Make Them Hear You.” It runs only through Oct. 18.

Tickets available at LandmarkCommunityTheatre.org and the Box Office: 860-283-6250.