Who would you cast in a film version of the musical Ragtime? — Page 2

bwaylvsong, the truth is, no one really comes to mind. I don't know if it's cuz I'm not trying hard enough but I just don't see Ragtime as a movie. This show was my first real emotional experience in the theatre and I don't think any cast or movie director could do it justice. I think it is a brilliant piece. It's one of my favorites if not my favorite. I think that casting a buttload of celebrities would make it all about them and not about the story. And how can you possibly replace the likes of Marin Mazzie, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Audra McDonald? It's almost insulting.

And, producer2, Mandy Patinkin WAS Tateh. He played him in the movie adaptation of the novel.

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I love the ides of James Earl Jones as Booker T. Washington, Meryl Streep as Emma Goldman, and Victor Garber as Father!

Mother- Toni Collette or Meryl Streep
Tateh- I like the idea of Robin Williams
Coalhouse- Jamie Foxx (if he can sing legit)
Sarah- Audra McDonald (she's got screen credits), but Anika Noni Rose would be a nice break through.
Father- Hugh Jackman or Ewan McGregor
Younger Brother- Anthony Rapp
Emma Goldman- Cathy Bates (though a Babs cameo would be fun)
Evelyn Nesbit- Kristin Chenoweth or Reese Witherspoon
Henry Ford- Steve Carell
JP Morgan- John C Reilly
Booker T. Washington- James Earl Jones
Sarah's Friend- Jennifer Hudson

Megan Mullaly is not at all right for Mother. She's also too old. Kate Winslet would be perfect.

PaintWordPictures, Norm Lewis played Coalhouse at the North Carolina Theatre of Raleigh opposite Michael Rupert and Julia Murney. I have heard nothing but good things about his performance, although there is no way he would ever land the part for a film adaptation (he is simply an unknown to mainstream audiences.)

I agree with Michael Bennett: Megan Mullaly is completely wrong for Mother. Athough I'd love to hear her take a shot at "Back to Before" (because I do think she could sing it,) she's just not a good fit with the part. Nicole Kidman's voice could never handle the score (although I think she fits the part alot better than some of the other mainstream celebrities being mentioned.) Kate Winslet sounds like a perfect suggestion.

SporkGoddess, Kristin Chenoweth as Mother? Please tell me you're kidding.

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I could kind of see Alison Lohman as Evelyn.

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Yeah I was gonna say Norm Lewis has performed the role. And Brian Stokes Mitchell is not exactly a tenor, though he has those high notes. But Norm can definitely hit those notes, no problem.