rOcKS @ 'Ragtime'

A brilliant production of a brilliant musical, this is the production I've been waiting for this season. Marcia Milgrom Dodge has stripped away all of the bells and whistles from the original production to just give us RAGTIME in it's simplest, rawest, and most potent and powerful form. And the cast is pretty damn spectacular.

I have to admit, I have some problems with RAGTIME's book, but the score is sensational. The book is still excellent and deserved the Tony but it's definitely not flawless. That said, this current production of RAGTIME is breathtakingly powerful, emphasizing the great things about the show and almost brushing the not-so-great to the side; what every great revival should do.

This review may sound like I'm gushing. And that's because I am. I really can't find one thing really wrong with this production. The direction is absolutely sensational and beautiful; especially the way the ensemble numbers are handled. Milgrom Dodge works great with large groups in this production. The stage never seems cramped or crowded; everything is very fluid. The last scene is just incredibly moving, as is Til We Reach That Day which left me in tears.

The cast is just incredible. A few highlights for me: Darrington, Umoh, and Steggert were all exceptional. Umoh is no Audra but she is a wonderful Sarah in her own right. Steggert makes the role of Younger Brother seem more important than ever. And Darrington is almost frighteningly real as Coalhouse; especially in the moments before Til We Reach That Day. The best performance in this great cast is coming from Christiane Noll, though, who is just brilliant in every way. Back To Before is stunning and her acting is virtually flawless. A truly fantastic performance.

The set is spectacular, the lighting strikingly beautiful, the choreography well-suited for the show, and the costumes lovely. The orchestra is one of the best I've ever heard; truly. I just kept thinking how excited I am already for this Cast Recording.

I know I'm basically just echoing what everyone else has said, but this is one helluva production. Incredibly moving, gorgeous, and even pretty funny at times, this RAGTIME is (dare I say it?) better than the original production. I really can't find any major flaws with the production; it's just an enthralling production that everyone should experience. I'm going again in November and can't WAIT. This is the production of the season and it's gonna be very hard to top it.

**** out of ****

I saw the show tonight and I agree with everything you said Rocks. I was a sobbing mess at the end of Act I and again at the end of Act II. I don't think I could describe it better than you...thank you.

I can't wait to see it again.

I have to admit, I have some problems with RAGTIME's book

What problems specifically, and do you have ideas on how they could be fixed?

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I hope it is an improvement over the original production. I attended the American Premiere production at the Shubert Theatre in L.A. three times, and while it was a beautifully staged, incredibly spectacular production, it definitely felt cluttered and was visually overwhelming at times.

Looks like this production is neither minimalist or lavish but something in the middle, which I think is the best approach for a show with a very epic feel but that also requires focus on the many intricate characters and story lines that interweave with one another.

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rOcKS pretty much summed up my thoughts and feelings on the revival. Such a great theatre experience!

I'm anxious to hear what you think, yankee!

Everyone really seemed to enjoy it last night. Roaring applause after Til We Reach That Day, Wheels of a Dream, the opening, Your Daddy's Son, Make Them Hear You, Back to Before, and New Music. And an immediate standing ovation from the orchestra the second the curtain went down after Act II. The theater looked pretty full too; an empty row or two and scattered empty seats at the back of the orchestra but I didn't see the mezzanine.

I have tickets for the day after Thanksgiving, and shaky plans....I hope they don't fall apart!!!!

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K, thanks.

I honestly agree more with Enchanted Hunter on this one. As someone who saw and adored the original, I was severely let down by this production. I LOVED the concept, but thought the execution was incredibly sloppy. Of all the principles, only one stood out as above average to me. That was the brilliant Bobby Steggert as Younger Brother. Otherwise, the rest of it was just blah. It's hard to make Ragtime bad because the material is so strong. But I honestly felt like I had seen high school productions that were higher quality in terms of the actual performances.

I agree with My Oh My about the original production of RAGTIME being cluttered and visually over produced. If I had the time and the money I would see the current production to give it another chance. Perhaps if it is still around in May, I will have another go of it.

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Mazzie might be perfection on the recording, but I had great issues with her live performance in the original. Her Mother lacked any warmth or caring. Her replacement, Donna Bullock, who I enjoyed more, was a better actress, but didn't have the voice.

Noll, who is now my favorite of the three, has the voice, and the requisite warmth and charm.

"My biggest problem with the book is the abrupt and complete transformation that Tateh has from poor immigrant to wealthy film director."

But doesn't this serve to emphasise the point that Tateh's experience is the American Dream, particularly in contrast to Coalhouse's experience?

Ragtime deals in metaphor - I have tended to assume this is one of them.

So, everyone who likes a show that you don't is a shill? I'll make note of that.

I'm glad that people are enjoying this revival. Based on reviews we may have some serious competition for "Best Revival" come June between this and Finian's.

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