Now is Our Time, Ragtime: The Official Ragtime Love Thread — Page 3

The ATC flailing is mere speculation, at best. There is such palpable Ragtime hate over there that my suspicion is that some of the folks have skin in the game. Many were judging ticket sales over this past week, a week when many leave town or have family and don't go to the theatre. It's a tough economy and other new shows aren't fairing any better, like Finian's that arguably got better reviews. I see these boards as anything but definitive information about the status of shows. Time of course will tell....

Updated On: 11/29/09 at 02:31 PM

Oh, please. I wasn't even the first
one to bring up the rumor here. I like the show, but let's face the facts.

I loved Ragtime, but it is losing money each week. The show is under-reserved in terms of capitalization, and I am concerned that they are having to dip into the reserves way too much. I am not sure why this show is not catching on, but it is a really fine production and deserves to succeed in IMO.

In that recent Boston Globe article, Stephanie Umoh was calculating her pay for three years in the role of Sarah to pay off her student loans!

Its amazing what the malicious gossip on ATC can accomplish - I've stopped reading that site because of their rabid posts proclaiming the demise of various shows (Matthew Broderick in "Starry Messenger", "Finians Rainbow", "Fela"). It seems that All That Chat has become more of a mosh pit of bitter jibes. Personally, I wouldn't believe anything thats posted there...

Lack of support, as defined by someone posting praises, is a little different than the rabid hate happening at ACT.

They just put up the getting ready rag on youtube. Quentin has so much energy in it, and love the choreography.

I found it interesting to see the shows that Ben Branley picked as theatre picks for the 2009 New York Times Holidy Gift Guide:

“Next to Normal,” “Wishful Drinking,” “Hair,” “Fela,” "Ragtime", “Brief Encounter,” and “South Pacific”

And although his notice isn't as astute as it could as to what the appeal and artisty is (in my opinion) for "Ragtime":

For the perpetual pedant (and/or student) who believes art should be instructive, informative and, if possible, morally uplifting: The elegant revival of "Ragtime," at the Neil Simon Theater, presents a panoramic vision of early 20th-century America, replete with sociological analysis and cameos by famous figures from history, including Emma Goldman and Harry Houdini. Adapted from E.L. Doctorow's best-selling novel, the show also features an assortment of full-throated anthems (by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens) shaped to churn up patriotic chills among those who lean left. Probably not for Palin-istas.
Link to Ragtime's listing as NY Times Holiday Pick.

So at least he acknowledtes that this is a pick for under: Tickets for Every Taste. I'm glad to see that he at least recognizes the appeal and the quality of this show... (especially during the holiday)....

New York Times lists of theatre shows as holiday picks

Also echoing how impressive he is for such little rehearsal time. I wonder if Stephanie will be out tonight.

Making arrangements to see this! Those sets are hauntingly amazing! I still cannot believe that my wish for this to come to Broadway came true, and with almost the same cast as DC!

I actually think the review in Variety says it more to the point, (although it does sound like someone from the Ragtime team might have written it):

"This is musical theater at is most vibrant. No show investigates the nuances of the word 'change' as it relates to the American Dream more masterfully than RAGTIME. Trenchant and timely, Marcia Milgrom Dodge's elegant revival is delivered with fresh clarity and emotional immediacy. The focus is intimate, the sorrows piercing and the joys uplifting! The creative team is working at peak potential. Under Marica Milgrom Dodge's assured direction, the impeccable cast plays like perfectly tuned instruments. The score is beautifully sung and played with all the exquisite dimension only a full-size orchestra can bring, making RAGTIME a transporting sensory experience."

- David Rooney, VARIETY

Anyone else get a chance to attend the talk back last night? It was wonderful. Marcia, Stephen, and Lynn were there in addition to the entire cast. I really hope they choose to do this every week.

I'm so glad to hear the talkbacks are fun! I'm planning on playing lotto next Tuesday night because I would love to hear a talkback.