MEF on Paper Mill's "Ragtime"

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 8:59pm

I was astounded by the Paper Mill Playhouse's brilliant recreation of the London minimalist staging of Ahrens and Flaherty's Ragtime, which is arguably one of the strongest scores of the past decade. The beautiful music stands alone, and in this production (superior to the original in many respects), everything is simply transcending.

Since pretty much everybody knows the story of the show, I will focus my review around the performances. In the role of Mother, the incredible Rachel York gives the performance of her career. She is strong-willed, lithe, empathetic, and utterly moving. As Sarah, Kenita R. Miller blew me away. After a successful run as LaChanze's understudy in Dessa Rose, where she went on for the better part of a month, it is obvious that she is going places.

Quentin Earl Darrington's Coalhouse is stirring. I had tears in my eyes during his glorious "Make Them Hear You". Neal Benari makes a moving Tateh, and is wildly superior to the original Tateh, Peter Friedman. Shonn Wiley is wonderful as Mother's Younger Brother, and David Hess makes the best of the underwritten role of Father.

All in all, this production must be seen. I don't know what more I can say.

Updated On: 6/26/05 at 08:59 PM

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 9:17pm

I was there this afternoon and I agree with you completely. I'll post my review shortly.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 9:21pm

I went Thursday.
Can't wait to read your thoughts.

[jmnpublications]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 9:25pm

Oh, MEF. I got chills just reading your words of praise. I'm seeing this on July 3 and feel so lucky to be able to go. Thank you.

Margo, can't wait for your review!

lc

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 9:27pm

LC, I have no doubt that you will love it, given that you are probably Rachel York's most enthusiastic fan ever. Enjoy! She, and the production, are really superb.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 9:29pm

Rather than start my own thread:

The reviews were right -- this production of Ragtime is truly outstanding; better in some ways than the Broadway original. Had it been mounted on Broadway this past season, it would have easily walked away with Best Revival -- no contest (it's as good on every level as any show currently running). Stripping the show of all of that spectacle and mounting it minimalist, it brings the many superb aspects of the musical into sharp focus -- the first rate book, gorgeous score and, in this case, the phenomenal performances across the board by the flawless ensemble (the acting in this production especially was even better than the original production).

They were all so sensational, I don't have enough superlatives to describe them all : Rachel York (who was at least the equal of Marin Mazzie), Kenita Miller as Sarah (very reminiscent of LaChanze -- she was her standby in Dessa Rose -- with an even better voice), Quentin Earl Darrington as Coalhouse (reminded me a lot of Norm Lewis vocally) and Neal Benari as Tateh were particular standouts.

The design elements were all ideal (the set designer cleverly solved all of the "problems" in mounting such an epic show on a smaller scale). Stafford Arrima's direction was tight, fluid, and inventive. The transitions between song and dialogue were especially impressive.

I really wish that producers would take a chance on moving Papermill productions to New York for open-ended runs sometimes(I don't think it's ever happened -- not sure why). They consistently produce shows that are equal to the very best that Broadway has to offer (and all of the shows are cast with Broadway-level performers, including Tony winners and nominees). Everything I've ever seen there (especially that amazing production of Follies they produced back in the late 90s) has been absolutely terrific. And their top ticket price is just $68 (with great seats available for much less than that -- front mezz is $43). It's a shame more people don't get a chance to see their shows.

This production continues for another three weeks. I really encourage all fans of musicals and theatre in general to make the short trip out to Millburn (a little over 40 minutes by train; $8.50 roundtrip from Penn Station on Jersey Transit). It's at least as good a piece of theatre that's playing anywhere in the tri-state region at the moment (including anything on Broadway) and is totally worth the effort.

Updated On: 6/25/05 at 09:29 PM

[Thesbijean]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 9:30pm

I was there this afternoon as well.

Mostly agree.

My one complaint is that I though Darrington's voice and acting were never in sync with one another. I just found that when he was singing it was like a concert and when he was doing lines, he was in a play. Dunno really, just bothered me.

Rachel York was stunning as mother.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 9:34pm

I am very glad that Paper Mill has really rebounded after several dissapointing seasons. This year, I was very pleased with their production of Of Thee I Sing; the terrific mounting of The Baker's Wife (the performance of Alice Ripley's career; if on broadway, she'd have won the Tony); and now this. Bravo, Paper Mill!

[jmnpublications]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 9:38pm

Thanks, all. Especially MEF. You made me smile.

lc

[Madame X]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 9:39pm

Count me in as seeing it this afternoon also.

I thought it was a marvelous production. I wanted to identify Shonn Wiley (Younger Brother) as a standout for me as well.

One snarky distraction from me...didn't realize that Ikea existed back in Ragtime days. It was odd seeing my kitchen table chairs all over that stage!

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 9:43pm

Yes, I should have mentioned Wiley. A really terrific young performer that truly is someone to watch. I didn't mean to overlook him, but with nothing but first rate performances in the ensemble, I had no superlatives left for him and half dozen others.

[hannahshule]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 9:56pm

Rachel York is a goddess

[yodamarie78]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 10:57pm

I was there too this afternoon, we probably all stood on the platform waiting for the 5:49 train together I loved the minimalist staging, however this my first time seeing Ragtime so I'd probably have loved it no matter what they did. The performances were amazing. Rachel York, Shonn Wiley, Neal Benari, Quentin Earl Darrington, Kenita R. Miller all of them were amazing. I tend to be very emotional, but I was close to sobbing when Sarah died. I've rarely been that moved by a show. I don't have enough superlatives for this show and everyone else has already said it all better. I highly recommend it to everyone

[Madame X]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 11:05pm

I'd never seen Shonn before (or heard of him to be honest) and at intermission I specifically looked him up in the 'Playbill' b/c I was so impressed w/ his performance. Lo and behold I find he was in the glorious Dracula...which I found kinda amusing for whatever reason. Regardless, he's landed on my radar and I will be looking out for him in the future.

Kenita Miller came to my attention in Dessa Rose and I was pleased to see the audience really responding to her today. Everyone in the cast is great; there are no weak links.

Go check out this production if you can! It may take time, but it's not very difficult to get to at all. ANDDDD there's a cute little ice cream shoppe in town where you can get homemade ice cream if you so desire. (no I didn't get paid for that shout-out...I just like homemade ice cream )

Updated On: 6/25/05 at 11:05 PM

[EvelynNesbit1906]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 11:12pm

Anyone care to refresh my memory on how to get from Manhattan to the Papermill and back this coming Friday evening? What time should I be headed toward the bus or train in Manhattan, and what time should I be headed toward the bus or train in Jersey? I know there are special weekday schedules.

[Madame X]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 11:14pm

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardname=bway&thread=855369#1156961

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 11:22pm

My review will be up soon.

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 6/25/05 at 11:59pm

In 1998, the musical Ragtime opened on Broadway. It won several Tonys, including Best Supporting Actress (Audra McDonald), Best Score, and Best Book, but was overshadowed by The Lion King, the new spectacle with elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects. That's not to say that Ragtime was a small production -- it featured both large ensemble scenes and small, two character scenes, as well as a real Model T and a tall swing. The production of Ragtime now playing at the Papermill Playhouse in New Jersey strips away all of the large grandness of the original and focuses on the story and characters. The staging is minimalist, with few props and sets (the Model T and swing are gone), but the show isn't any less effective; on the contrary, it's moving and powerful and just a fantastic production all around.

The score is considered one of the best of the last 10 years, and it's sung wonderfully by the cast. In particular, the prologue, "Til We Reach That Day" and the finale display the fine vocals of the ensemble. It's lovely to have such strong harmonies as well; often I heard harmonies that I never heard on the OBC recording. Stephen Flaherty's ragtime-influenced music is performed by the orchestra with gusto. The prologue mentioned before is still one of my favorite openings -- it's a perfect integration of music, lyrics, and book. Ahrens' does some of her best work here with marvelous lyrics containing alliteration, symbolism, irony, metaphors, similies, and every other literary technique you can think of.

The cast is uniformly excellent, led by Quentin Earl Darrington, who gives a stirring performance as Coalhouse. I still prefer Stokes on the recording (especially in the scenes in the library), but his work with Sarah (the enchanting Kenita Miller) and his baby son is touching. "Wheels of a Dream" wasn't quite as potent as it should be, but their "Sarah Brown Eyes" captivated the audience. Rachel York was wonderful too. Hers is probably the most interesting character in the show, and she covered all of Mother's thoughts and emotions. Her character arc, from patient, obedient housewive to strong, independent woman was thrilling, and her "Back to Before" was at least as good as Marin Mazzie's, if not better. Neil Benari's Tateh was a standout as well. In fact, the entire cast stood out at one point or another.

The direction was really great -- very fluid and never dragging for a moment. The few props were used in creative ways, and the choreography was very lively. I encourage anyone who has the chance to see this amazing production to do so immediately. I think it's great that the show is playing during the July 4th week -- it embodies all facets of the American Dream from so many different points of view, and anyone who's feeling the least bit patriotic will no doubt be inspired.

[MusicMan]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 2:11am

Worth skipping. The missing props are the least of it. A poorly-designed set and unimaginative lighting plot make this one of the cheapest-looking and gloomiest productions of a musical I have ever seen. Even minimalism needs to have some texture. And like the Roundabout FOLLIES, this stripped-down version defeats the show at every turn.

[Urban]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 5:00am

I am so so SO jealous. I hate you all. :p
Updated On: 6/26/05 at 05:00 AM

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 7:36am

Great review, Gov. I agree with all of your points.

[hannahshule]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 7:59am

Can't wait to go!

[Justice]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 8:31am

MEF, were you there os Sat. matinee...?

I was at the evening performance, and I believe you were at the same performance of Dessa Rose I was at...

We have a habit of seeing shows on the same day...

(and, I believe we have opposing views of the shows)

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 10:46pm

Justice----

I was at Ragtime on Thursday. I just didn't write a review right away. But, we did attend the same performance of Dessa Rose (April 2, 8PM). LovesClassics was also at that performance.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 11:16pm

I was lucky enough to attend the Saturday 6/25 matinee of Ragtime. I had seen the original production back in 1998 and ever since then, Ragtime has been my all time favorite musical ever. Of course, my brother and I were very excited to go on Saturday.

It took about an hour and 10 minutes to drive over from Ardsley, NY. (we hit some traffic on the Garden State Parkway) We listened to the OBC of Ragtime on the way over and were all psyched up for the production. We were not disappointed.

From the very beginning, I knew this was going to be a magical afternoon. The opening number was fantastic. The chorus blended together so well. Rachel York (one of the main reasons I went to see Ragtime) was brilliant as Mother. I saw her twice in Dessa Rose and fell in love with her. I will be a fan of hers for life. Goodbye My Love was amazing as was What Kind Of Woman. Also, Kenita Miller (who I had seen once as Dessa Rose) was perfectly cast as Sarah. Your Daddy's Son gave me chills. Her voice was in top form. Also, I have to mention Shonn Wiley as Mother's Younger Brother. I honestly thought he was better than the actor from the original cast. His part is not huge, but what he did with it was fabulous. As a side note, one of the chorus members, Kasey Marino, is incredibly hot!

In Act 1, there were three places that made me get teary-eyed. First was at the end of New Music, when Sarah came down the ladder and hugged Coalhouse...omg I was dying! Also, Wheels of a Dream really got to me. I absolutely LOVE that song. Finally, the end of Act 1 was amazing (Till We Reach That Day). The ensemble sang their hearts out and it really affected me. My brother and I were speechless as Act 1 ended. We were both completely blown away.

I also have to mention that the absence of the swing or the car did not affect the performance at all. The choreography for Evelyn Nesbitt's song totally made up for the lack of the swing. Also, the use of chairs instead of the car was fine. I absolutely LOVED the song Henry Ford. What the chorus did with those chairs was beyond incredible.

We had bought $35 tickets, which were in the second to last row of the balcony, but my brother and I moved up to the 4th row orchestra for Act 2. So glad I got to see Rachel York up close again!

Act 2 was equally as wonderful as Act 1. What A Game was perfectly staged. I laughed out loud when the son spit on Father at the end of the song. It was such a funny way to end it! Also, Sarah Brown Eyes was so moving that I definitely had tears in my eyes. The direction here was stunning. Sarah and Coalhouse were dancing with each other, but never actually touched (since Sarah was already dead at this point). Also, Rachel York's Back To Before was indescribable. It was far superior to Marin's. Rachel York is a goddess. Every time she sings, I get chills. She has such stage presence, such control over her powerful voice and such a large range...brilliant! Finally, at the very end, when Coalhouse Jr. walked out on stage, the entire audence went "awwwwwwwww." He was an adorable kid. And what a way to end the show. Coalhouse and Sarah (both deceased at this point) were on top of the bridge, symbolizing that they are in heaven, and they were looking down on their child, who now had a good home with Mother and Tateh and their children. Standing ovation for the cast...and well deserved.

I am so lucky to have seen this production and I urge you all to go see it if you can get there in the next few weeks. My brother and I are seriously considering going back on July 17th for the closing performance. Ragtime, in my opinion, has the best music ever written for a broadway show. This production has top notch actors and excellent direction. Honestly, it was so much better than most of the broadway musicals I saw this season and I really hope I will be able to see another broadway mounting of this fabulous musical in my lifetime.