City Center's 24-25 Season: Ragtime, Urinetown, LaChiusa's Wild Party, Love Life — Page 4

sortofpedantic said: "SonofRobbieJ said:


Do we think blackface is essential for Burrs in this? I think George C. Wolfe could get away with that in 2000, but not sure how that plays now. Will it need to be a black actor? Or can they just reconceive the type of 'clown' Burrs is?"

I would personally never vouch for the use of blackface in any production, but however they wind up staging it, I sincerely hope that we're able to finally see a version of this show that's as deep as LaChiusa and Wolfe intended. If I'm not mistaken, Burrs' role as a blackface performer was originally written to be the diametric opposite of Queenie, who was originally conceived as a Black performer passing as white using makeup. I've always been fascinated that they chose to pivot to Toni Colette after they lost Vanessa Williams in the original cast, as there is SO MUCH text in this show that hits completely different when interpreted as referring to Queenie's Blackness."

This is honestly what interests me more than if they'll keep the blackface. Will we get a Black Queenie? It's baked into the material but the creatives obviously didn't see it as completely necessary because they pivoted. I want to see it.

When tickets go on sale to the general public on May 23, can I use the ACC2324 access code for the $28 tickets or would it be too soon?

Also, I know it was just announced but are we expecting a runtime close to 3 hours? Planning to do a 2 show day with Ragtime and Romeo+Juliet. 

Three hours! The poor staff!

From someone I trust, it’s not Denée. Without saying who, I think it’ll bring a lot of Joy to people. 

I'm hearing Joy Woods for Sarah. Sean Allan Krill's name has also come up for Father.

Stagestrucklad2 said: "I will be incredibly frustrated/angry if this is the condensed Ragtime that was presented at Tanglewood last summer with an expanded orchestra but had some songs omitted and minimal dialogue…apparently done with the approval of the original creative team."

No way City Center would do that. They are known for honoring productions and including all songs/dialogue.

FANtomFollies said: "Stagestrucklad2 said: "I will be incredibly frustrated/angry if this is the condensed Ragtime that was presented at Tanglewood last summer with an expanded orchestra but had some songs omitted and minimal dialogue…apparently done with the approval of the original creative team."

No way City Center would do that. They are known for honoring productions and including all songs/dialogue.

 

THE LIFE would like a word with you…

Stagestrucklad2 said: "I will be incredibly frustrated/angry if this is the condensed Ragtime that was presented at Tanglewood last summer with an expanded orchestra but had some songs omitted and minimal dialogue…apparently done with the approval of the original creative team."

Sometimes symphonic concert versions of musicals have to be condensed due to musicians' union rules about playing time (see: all the Hollywood Bowl musicals with the LA Phil), or for other logistical or stylistic reasons. Symphonic concerts at venues like Tanglewood are also put up with barely any rehearsal (even less than Encores) and minimal/no staging or costumes.

I have no doubt this script and score will be extremely similar to the original and 2009 revival versions.

BJR said: "ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Stagestrucklad2 said: "I have no doubt this script and score will be extremely similar to the original and 2009 revival versions."

Especially since the recent track record is of one show each season transferring..."


None of that is within City Center's control. They benefit from transfers and commercial partnerships but they're not the ones leading the transfers and putting up the money. I would view it as a coincidence more than anything.

I would manage expectations for any shows moving without a bona fide box office star in the cast (and Ragtime does not have a star). I also don't know if Ragtime or any other shows in the 2024-25 season have commercial enhancement behind them already. Parade, Pal Joey, and Mattress did.

Typically noon for City Center

Anyone know if there is an Access City Center Club code for Ragtime? I’m a member and haven’t gotten an email about it yet. Do they usually have Access tickets available for the opener of the season? Thanks all!

seussical93 said: "Anyone know if there is an Access City Center Club code for Ragtime? I’m a member and haven’t gotten an email about it yet. Do they usually have Access tickets available for the opener of the season? Thanks all!"

Don't know if it'll work immediately but the ACC2425 code appears to be active.