Street Theatre Company's RAGTIME IN CONCERT Part of a Huge Weekend of Theater in Nashville

Although she is loath to admit it, Cathy Street (the eponymous artistic force behind the acclaimed Street Theatre Company) says only time will tell if the "In Concert" series at STC truly will become a theatrical phenomenon - even if evidence already suggests that it is.

"As far as the concerts being a phenomenon, I think it's too soon to say if they will be," Street admits. "Chess was amazing, for sure, and we hope to continue in that tradition. I think a neat thing about [the concerts] is that we offer them for one weekend only, so it's kind of extra-special - like you are going to the opera or something."

When the company's version of Chess in Concert debuted last March, it quickly became one of the year's biggest theatrical events, drawing both critical praise and audience acclaim even as it drew capacity crowds to the company's Elm Hill Pike venue.

Now, with the latest offering in the series Ragtime in Concert , which runs for six performances this weekend (opening Wednesday night, the 16^th, and continuing through Sunday, November 20) and featuring a cast of some 35 performers, who bring the Stephen Flaherty-Lynn Ahrens-Terrence McNally musical based upon E.L. Doctorow's novel to life, it's a fairly safe bet that everyone - perhaps even Street herself - will agree that a new musical phenomenon is indeed alive, well and thriving in Music City USA.

With the 2012 series of offerings already announced by STC, which will feature concert stagings of Miss Saigon and The Who's Tommy, how does Street go about making her choices amid the myriad of shows that are available? "The different criterion is that - except for Ragtime, kind of - generally speaking, they are all-music, with little to no dialogue and they are show that would be too big to mount full-scale," she says. "For example, no helicopters will be flying in for Miss Saigon in Concert or spinning pinball machines in Tommy."

This weekend, Middle Tennessee theater audiences will have at least eight new shows to choose from with another half-dozen shows continuing their runs, making this another huge weekend of live theater in Nashville. So, why should you go see Ragtime in Concert? These are the questions we put to Cathy Street...

Why should people come see Ragtime in Concert? Ragtime is a beautiful score with lots of emotion and a powerful storyline. This is the second in STC's In Concert productions, and it is a really unique way to experience theatre.  It is a great example of how powerful stories can be just in the telling/singing/acting, even without a full range of costumes, props and sets.

Who's cast in Ragtime in Concert? We have a cast of  about 35 area actors, featuring Julie Forester as Mother (who understudied the role in the original London production!), Bakari King, Michael Kitts (Anatoly from STC's critically acclaimed Chess in Concert), Naeandria Callihan and many, many more.

What should audiences look for when they see Ragtime in Concert? What sets your show apart from all the others opening this weekend? The incredible talent that is in Nashville is apparent when you see this cast of 35. There are stellar performers even in smaller roles, which makes for a powerful sound when putting it all together.

How did this show make it onto your season calendar? How do you pick shows you do? This show represents part of what STC wants to do with its programming. It is a musical with a story, with something important to say, it features an ethnically diverse cast, and has got powerful music. The idea for Ragtime was originally brought to my attention by Jane Kelley, when she learned about our In Concert series, as one that would translate to that setting.

Why should someone make theater a part of their holiday traditions? Theatre should be a part of more than just holiday tradition, it should be a part of all entertainment options!  Theatre is transformative. It is moving, it unites us in a common experience. At the holidays, what could be better than that?

Are you offering season tickets for what lies ahead (they make great gifts, after all)? And how can they be purchased? Yes, STC has Golden Tickets for 2012, with different levels based on their interest. There is a 5-show pack deal all the way up to all 12 shows in next year's season.  You can get more information by calling (615) 554-7414.

 

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