A "Vest-pocket" Ragtime

Posted: 4/13/07 at 12:42pm

A company here in Chicago has mounted a teeny-tiny version of Ragtime (total cast 21) that is getting rave reviews. I hope to see it this weekend, but wondered if anyone had any experience with a mini-Ragtime. I've seen it done, but only with a full, very large cast.
Intimacy suits electrifying 'Ragtime'

[thenewmoon]

Posted: 4/13/07 at 1:15pm

The minimalist production was done in London's West End. Friends of mine who saw it found it extremely underwhelming and dull, compared with the fully-realized Broadway production.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 4/13/07 at 1:32pm

I'm curious about it, but every hideously awful show I've ever seen in Chicago got rave reviews (including 2 I left at intermission), so I'm a bit gun shy about going.

[whatever2]

Posted: 4/13/07 at 2:01pm

i get out to chicago once a month ... it of course has a phenomenal theater scene, so im not sure i can second Mister Matt's perspective. All of the things Goodman and Lookingglass do that the critics call brilliant in my experience have been.

Plus, the chicago critics certainly called PQ accurately! =:o

In any case, the Ragtime revival does sound interesting ... i hope JoeKv or others will post their impressions after seeing the show.

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 4/13/07 at 5:27pm

I read the reviews for the production this week but won't be getting to Chicago until after it closes. I love the score but have never seen a production of it. I think if Doyle and his revivals of "Sweeney Todd" and "Company" have taught us anything it is that most musicals can be reinterpreted and not lose their emotional impact. I hope someone on the boards posts a review of this production.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 4/13/07 at 5:37pm

It is true that Hedy Weiss (Chicago Sun-Times) and Chris Jones (Chicago Tribune) are much more generous than New York critics, but Porchlight is a good company and I'm sure they do a fine job with it, even if it not Broadway-caliber.

Posted: 4/13/07 at 7:02pm

I am going to try my best to see it. Porchlight's Gypsy got raves and it was OK but certainly not up to Broadway standards. And Do I need to say that Hedy Weiss's reviews are always suspect? Chris Jones in the Trib is MUCH better and he liked it too, but you need a subscription to see his review. And Mischa Davenport in the Sun-Times is very good too, but he hasn't weighed in on it.