at The College of New Rochelle presents "Ragtime" the Musical

NEW ROCHELLE, NY, November 19, 2013 - Set in a Broadview Avenue house in New Rochelle, The College of New Rochelle’s November presentation of Ragtime, a tapestry of storytelling, is close to home in more ways than one. Founded in 1904, The College of New Rochelle is proud to present “Ragtime” as part of the City of New Rochelle’s 325th anniversary celebration.  Performances by CNR Drama are on November 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at 8:00 p.m., and November 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 2:00 p.m., at Romita Auditorium on the Main Campus of CNR located at 29 Castle Place, New Rochelle, NY 10805. 

Based on the landmark novel by E.L. Doctorow, “Ragtime” tells the story of three families at the start of the American Century, among them a family of well-to-do residents of New Rochelle, a brilliant Harlem pianist and the mother of his child, and an immigrant artist and his daughter.  Fusing Doctorow’s fictional characters with historical celebrities Henry Ford, Emma Goldman, Harry Houdini and Booker T. Washington, the show examines the mythology of the American Dream through rising tensions of race, immigration, a burgeoning world war, and the future of America’s national identity.

The show Ragtime weaves Doctorow’s story together with Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Arhens’ soaring score, and a book by Terrance McNally.  It begins, “In 1902 Father built a house at the crest of the Broadview Avenue hill in New Rochelle, New York, and it seemed for some years thereafter that all the family’s days would be warm and fair.” 

 “This show couldn’t be more perfect for us in 2013,” says director Laurie Peterson Castaldo.  “Along with the city’s celebration, our dramatic society, CNR Drama, was established in 1906, the year in which the play first takes place.”  More importantly, she added, “As a college, this is a teaching moment.  ‘Ragtime’ reminds us of how we got to where we are.”

The artistic team includes music director Kurt Kelley, choreographer Juan Borona, scenic designer Raffaele A. Castaldo, costume designer Brooke Cohen and lighting designer Cecilia Durbin.  A cast of 36 is drawn from New York City and environs as well as The College of New Rochelle Community, and features Erich McMillan-McCall as Coalhouse Walker, Jr., Hanna Burke as Mother, and David Gautschy as Tateh.

Ticket prices are $25 general admission, $20 for seniors and students. Order tickets through SmartTix at (212) 868-4444 or online at www.SmartTix.com. Additional information is available through CNR Drama’s website www.cnrdrama.org and on Facebook.

The first Catholic college for women in New York State, The College of New Rochelle was founded in 1904 by the Ursuline Order.  Today, it comprises the all-women School of Arts & Sciences, and three schools which admit women and men: the School of New Resources (for adult learners), the School of Nursing and the Graduate School.  The main campus of the College is located in lower Westchester County, 16 miles north of New York City.  The College maintains five other campus locations in New York City.  Visit the College’s website at www.cnr.edu.