Darrington, Bohmer, Noll, Petkoff, Steggert, Umoh Headline Broadway's RAGTIME, Previews Begin At the Neil Simon Theatre 10/23

The anticipated new Broadway production of Terrence McNally, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty's Tony Award® winning musical RAGTIME has announced complete casting of its 40 member company.

Based on the acclaimed epic E.L. Doctorow novel, the recent acclaimed John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts production features direction and choreography by Marcia Milgrom Dodge, and a majestic 28-piece orchestra led by musical director James Moore.

The Broadway company will star Ron Bohmer (Father), Quentin Earl Darrington (Coalhouse Walker, Jr.), Christiane Noll (Mother), Robert Petkoff (Tateh), Bobby Steggert (Mother's Younger Brother), Stephanie Umoh (Sarah) with Christopher Cox (The Little Boy), Sarah Rosenthal (The Little Girl), Mark Aldrich (Willie Conklin), Aaron Galligan-Stierle (Henry Ford), Jonathan Hammond (Harry Houdini), Dan Manning (Grandfather), Michael X. Martin (J.P. Morgan), Michael McGowan (Stanford White), Donna Migliaccio (Emma Goldman), Josh Walden (Harry K. Thaw), Savannah Wise (Evelyn Nesbitt), Eric Jordan Young (Booker T. Washington).

The 40 member cast will also feature Sumayya Ali, Terence Archie, Corey Bradley, Jayden Brockington, Benjamin Cook, Carey Brown, Jennifer Evans, Carly Hughes, Lisa Karlin, Valisia LeKae, James Moye, Tracy Lynn Olivera, Mamie Parris, Bryonha Parham, Nicole Powell, Kaylie Robinaccio, Arbender J. Robinson, Benjamin Schrader, Wallace Smith, Catherine Walker, Jim Weaver, Kylil Williams.

RAGTIME begins performances on Broadway on Friday, October 23 and officially opens Sunday, November 15, 2009 at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52 Street).

RAGTIME is produced by Kevin McCollum, Roy Furman, Max Cooper, Roger Berlind, Tom Kirdahy/Devlin Elliott, Jeffrey A. Sine, Scott Delman, Stephanie McClelland, Roy Miller, LAMS Productions, Inc., Jana Robbins, Wendy Federman, Jamie deRoy, Sheila Steinberg, Lauren Stevens, Eric Falkenstein/Morris Berchard, Independent Producers Network, HRH Foundation and Emanuel Azenberg in association with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Marcia Milgrom Dodge's production debuted at the Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theater on April 18 and played a sold out limited engagement through May 17, 2009. Variety called the re-imagined musical "Simply stunning." The Washington Post raved "Nothing short of heavenly. Looks and sounds so good. Glorious!," while Bloomberg News said "Explosive and thrilling! Theater-shaking intensity...a vibrant production."

Based on E.L. Doctorow's acclaimed epic novel, RAGTIME turns back the clock to the dawn of the 20th century - a time when anything was possible and ragtime music filled the air. New York City was the land of opportunity. A poor Jewish immigrant sells his "moving picture" books on the street. A wealthy Victorian couple welcomes a runaway into their home. A Harlem jazz pianist turns an issue of justice into a revolution. Their personal journeys come alive as historic figures offer guidance and diversion - among them escape artist Harry Houdini, auto tycoon Henry Ford, educator Booker T. Washington, and infamous entertainer Evelyn Nesbit. Together, their stories celebrate the struggle between tradition and independence all in pursuit of the American dream.

The celebrated production team includes scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Santo Loquasto, lighting design by Donald Holder, sound design by ACME Sound Partners, hair and wig design by Edward J. Wilson, musical direction by James Moore and original orchestrations by William David Brohn.

RAGTIME originally opened on Broadway on January 18, 1998 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts. The musical garnered four Tony Awards® including Best Book, Original Score and Best Orchestrations. The beloved Ahrens and Flaherty score features some of the award-winning team's best-known songs including the title song, "Make Them Hear You" and the anthem "The Wheels of a Dream."

Ron Bohmer (Father). Broadway and National Tour: Phantom in The Phantom Of The Opera, Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard (Jefferson Award nom.), the swashbuckling title role in The Scarlet Pimpernel (NBTA nom.), Alex in Aspects Of Love (LA Robby award), the evil Sir Percival Glyde in The Woman in White, Enjolras in Les Miserables, Fyedka in Fiddler on the Roof, Coach Bolton in the cultural phenomenon Disney's High School Musical On Stage. Most recently - Father in Ragtime for the Kennedy Center and Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music for The New Theatre. Married to actress/author Sandra Joseph. Father of Cassidy and Austin. www.ronbohmer.com.

Quentin Earl Darrington (Coalhouse Walker, Jr.) is honored and humbled to be making his Broadway debut with Ragtime! A native of Lakeland, Florida and proud graduate of the University of South Florida, Q began his professional career with Tampa Bay's Center Theater Company and Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall. Credits include National Tours: The Color Purple (Mister u/s), The Lion King (Mufasa u/s). Regional: Ragtime (Coalhouse Walker Jr.), The Kennedy Center and Paper Mill Playhouse; A Little Night Music (Mr. Lindquist), Sacramento Music Circus; Dreamgirls (Marty), Madame Walker Theatre; Abyssinia (Lucas Jackson), Goodspeed Opera House; Jaques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, Center Theatre Co and The Gift of the Magi (Jim), Polk Theatre.

Christiane Noll (Mother). Broadway/Tour: Urinetown, Mambo Kings, It Ain't Nothin But The Blues, Jekyll & Hyde, Grease, Miss Saigon, City of Angels, South Pacific. Film: The King & I (Singing Anna). Other: Ragtime (Kennedy Center), Frankenstein-The Musical, Ace, Witches of Eastwick (Signature Theatre), New Moon (Encores!), Lizzie Borden (Goodspeed Opera), The Student Prince (Paper Mill Playhouse), Lincoln Center "American Songbook Series." Symphony Soloist with Marvin Hamlisch - The Dallas Symphony and National Symphony; Don Pippin - The Palm Beach Pops, Jerusalem Symphony and St. Louis Symphony and Peter Nero and The Philadephia Pops. Opera debut: Washington National Opera, opposite Placido Domingo. www.christianenoll.com.

Robert Petkoff (Tateh). Broadway: Spamalot, Fiddler on the Roof with Alfred Molina, Epic Proportions. West End: The Royal Family with Judi Dench. Off-Broadway: Happiness, More Stately Mansions. Touring: the national tour of Spamalot, Tantalus for the Royal Shakespeare Company and DCTC, The Importance of Being Earnest with Lynn Redgrave. Regional: title roles in Sunday in the Park With George, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Troilus and Cressida, Compleat Female Stage Beauty. Film: Milk & Money, Loverboy, Game Day. TV: "Chappelle's Show," "Law & Order," "Hack," "Quantum Leap," "Married With Children," "Mona" (pilot), young Liberace in "Liberace."

Bobby Steggert (Mother's Younger Brother) reprises the role he originated in the acclaimed Kennedy Center production of Ragtime. He appeared alongside Audra McDonald in the Broadway revival of 110 in the Shade, for which he received an Outer Critics Circle nomination. He also received Drama Desk and Drama League nominations for his performance in The Slug Bearers of Kayrol Island at the Vineyard Theater. Other notable New York credits include Mordred in Camelot (NY Philharmonic, Live @ Lincoln Center), Master Harold...and the boys (Broadway), columbinus (New York Theater Workshop, Drama League nomination for ensemble), The Music Teacher (The New Group), Yank! (Gallery Players, NY Innovative Theater Nomination for Lead Actor) and the workshop of a revised Side Show directed by Bill Condon. Regional appearances include The Kennedy Center, L.A. Theaterworks, Repertory Theater of St. Louis, Milwaukee Rep, Pioneer Theater, Olney Theater and Walnut Street Theater. Film/TV: The Namesake, Game Six, Night Swimming, Kinsey, For Richer or Poorer and a year as Sam Grey on "All My Children." He is a graduate of NYU and studied Shakespeare at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Stephanie Umoh (Sarah), a Texas native, is more than excited to be making her Broadway debut in the cast of Ragtime! NYC workshops & reading include: Tin Pan Alley Rag (Freddie/Treemonisha) at The Roundabout Theater Company, Bonnie and Clyde (Mona) at the Westside Theater and 2008 NYMF, Luck! at The York Theater and Time After Time. Other credits include: Hair (Sheila) at Connecticut Repertory Theater, The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin (Viveca) at Speak Easy Stage Company, Zanna, Don't! (Kate) at Speak Easy Stage Company, Lucky Duck! (Serena), The Life (Queen), Dessa Rose (Dessa) and Into The Woods (Cinderella). She has received an Elliot Norton Award nomination for Outstanding Musical Performance and an IRNE Award Nomination for Best Actress in a Musical in Boston. Stephanie has also appeared as a Featured Soloist with The Boston Pops Orchestra and received her BFA in Musical Theater at The Boston Conservatory in May 2008.

Christopher Cox (The Little Boy), 12 years old, is enjoying his Broadway debut in Ragtime. Christopher was part of the Kennedy Center Production and is thrilled to be playing Edgar again. Christopher is represented by Abrams Artist Agency. He has trained at John Robert Powers and privately with theater and film professionals. He was featured in the independent films Rosie's Miracle (CCL Productions) and The Truth (Keep it Moving Filmz). His other credits include commercials, live vocal performances and school productions of Annie (Daddy Warbucks), The King and I (Kralahome ) and Willy Wonka (Oompa Loompa, ensemble). He thanks his Mom and Dad for their support and encouragement. Christopher loves the entertainment industry and plans to continue acting on stage and in film. His ultimate goal is to direct feature films. He has already produced a full-length movie that he wrote, directed and edited himself titled The Spirit of Vengeance. Christopher's website, www.ChristopherCoxOnline.com, posts this and some of his other films and shows.

Sarah Rosenthal. (The Little Girl), 13, is honored to make her Broadway debut after appearing in the Kennedy Center's production of Ragtime. Other favorite performances include: Working, The Nutcracker, The Wizard of Oz and Jane Eyre. Sincere gratitude to Marcia Milgrom Dodge for allowing me to continue on this incredible journey. Special thanks to Garry Tiller, Ava Lenet, Sudbrook Magnet Middle, the Shirley Grant Management Team and my wonderful friends and family for believing in me.

Jonathan Hammond (Harry Houdini). After five previous productions, it is only fitting that Jonathan is making his Broadway debut in Ragtime. He originated the role of Giuseppe in the National Tour of The Lincoln Center production of The Light In The Piazza. Recent credits include: Kennedy Center: Ragtime, Krieger and Russell's world premiere of Up in the Air; The Shakespeare Theatre: The Dog in the Manger. Off-Broadway: Theatre For A New Audience: Macbeth and All's Well That Ends Well. Transport Group: Boys In The Band, Marcy in the Galaxy, See Rock City and The Audience. Regionally: Actors Theatre of Louisville: The Underpants; McCarter Theatre: Night Governess; Baltimore Center Stage: The Miser; Theatre, American Repertory Theatre: The Tempest, Threepenny Opera, The Orestia, Measure for Measure; Pittsburgh Public Theater: Broadway; Syracuse Stage Romeo and Juliet; Theatre Works-Palo Alto: Ragtime; Pioneer Theatre: Company, King Lear, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Ragtime; Barrington Stage Company: Cabaret - Elliot Norton Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Actor; Fulton Opera House: Ragtime; as well as appearances at the O'neill Center. TV: "Law and Order." Training: University of Michigan (Musical Theatre), Harvard University - American Repertory Theatre Institute for Advanced Theater Training (MFA). Love to Jed, Pete, Jonnie, Jack, Mizzar and Mom. JonathanHammond.com.

Donna Migliaccio (Emma Goldman). John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: Ragtime; Broadway: Three Generations; The Brand New Kid; Sunday in the Park with George. National Tour: Guys & Dolls (50th Anniversary Tour). Regional: Signature Theatre: Assassins, Sweeney Todd, Pacific Overtures, Urinetown, Into the Woods; Theater J: David in Shadow & Light, Shlemiel the First; MetroStage: The Musical of Musicals: The Musical!; Olney Theatre Center: Cinderella, Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well; Arden Theatre: The Dinosaur Musical; Philadelphia Theatre Company: Elegies: A Song Cycle; San Francisco's Theatre on the Square: Dirty Blonde. Honors: Helen Hayes Awards (1992 and 2007, eight additional nominations); nominee, 2005 Barrymore Awards (Philadelphia).

Savannah Wise (Evelyn Nesbitt). Broadway: Rock of Ages (Sherrie), Les Misérables Off-Broadway/national tour: Rock of Ages, Disney's High School Musical. Regional: Happy Days (Joanie), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Annie Get Your Gun (Winnie Tate). TV guest star: "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Rescue Me." UC's College Conservatory of Music graduate.

Eric Jordan Young (Booker T. Washington) is fortunate to tell the story of Ragtime once again. Broadway: Chicago (Billy Flynn, Amos Hart), Seussical the Musical (Wickersham Brother), Ragtime ('98/'99) and The Look of Love. National Tours: Chicago, Ragtime, Dreamgirls (Curtis) and Starlight Express (Las Vegas). Off-Broadway: Dessa Rose (Kaine) at Lincoln Center, Little Fish (John Paul) at Second Stage, Mr. President and Encores! (City Center). Other: Ragtime (Booker T. Washington) at the Kennedy Center, Jesus Christ Superstar (Herod) at the ALLIANCE THEATRE, Stephen Sondheim's Opening Doors at Carnegie Hall, Mr. Bojangles: the Ultimate Entertainer (Sammy Davis, Jr.), Smokey Joe's Cafe (Ken) at Sacramento Music Circus, Ain't Misbehavin' (Andre) at Actors Theatre of Louisville, Sideshow (Jake) at Signature Theatre where he received the Helen Hayes Award and most recently the Hangar Theatre's production of Rent (Tom Collins). Television credits include "Ugly Betty," "Law and Order: C.I." and several commercials. A proud graduate of Ithaca College, Mr. Young has performed with the Atlanta, Tucson, Sioux City, Little Rock and Louisiana Symphony Orchestras. He recently appeared with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall and just celebrated the World premiere of his award winning one-man musical Sammy & Me. Enjoy! www.sammyandme.com. www.ericjordanyoung.com.

RAGTIME tickets prices are $46.50, $86.50 and $126.50 (including $1.50 facility fee) and available by calling Ticketmaster at 212-307-4100 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

RAGTIME will play the following preview schedule from October 23 - November 14:Tues., Thurs., Fri. and Sat. eve at 8p, Sun eve at 7:30p. Wed., Sat. and Sun. mat. at 2p. Dark Mon. Opening night November 15, 2009 and onward: Tues. eve. at 7p; Wed., Thurs., Fri. and Sat. eve at 8p, Wed. and Sat. mat. at 2p; Sun. mat. at 3p. Dark Mon. www.ragtimebroadway.com

Photo by Joan Marcus