'Ragtime' the musical comes to St. James Parish
"Ragtime" received 13 Tony Award nominations and saw full houses for more than 850 performances when it opened on Broadway in 1998.
Its popularity propelled it to revive 11 years later to receive another seven Tony Awards and won the title of Time magazine's 2009 Musical of the Year.
"This show knocked me out. It is superb. If you don't go see this," said actress and TV show host Whoopi Goldberg, "you are doing yourself a disservice. It is, my God, brilliant. It is 'Ragtime.'"
St. James Parish in Arlington Heights chose "Ragtime" for its 49th annual production because it tells the story of the struggles of early 20th century Americans that resonates with audiences today. Controversial themes such as diversity and segregation, women's rights, blended and interracial families, immigration and technological advancement run throughout the three interweaving stories set in New York during the early 1900s.
Audiences tragically witness the successful Harlem resident and Ragtime musician Coalhouse Walker Jr., build his family with Sarah and their newborn son. The upper-class suburban Mother boldly learns that women have a voice and should not be held emotionally captive by their husbands.
The tender relationship between Tatah and his young daughter unfolds as they immigrate to America and live in the city slums, desperately in search of financial success and the dream for a better tomorrow.
The result of these intertwining stories is a powerful finale where Mother and Tateh offer an emotional helping of blessed hope that overflows with love, respect and understanding.
The music throughout this piece is the style of Ragtime brilliantly blended with classical. A sprinkling of humor and wisdom offered by real historical characters such as Houdini, Evelyn Nesbitt, Henry Ford, Emma Goldman and Booker T. Washington offer an even more concrete understanding of what this time period represents and how it relates to us now.
A cast of 80 performers, a 25-piece orchestra and a set rendering of Penn Station in New York City is sure to delight. Performances are July 12-22 at the St. James Parish Center, 820 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights.
For tickets and information, visit www.stjamestheatre.org.
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