Interview: Director Luis Salgado and RAGTIME at Axelrod Theatre

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC) in Deal Park, NJ, in cooperation with Salgado Productions, will bring "Ragtime, The Musical" to the stage from March 3-25, in a new production directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, who is returning to the theater after last year's successful production of "In the Heights."

"Ragtime," by the team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, with a book by Terrance McNally, has been widely regarded as one of the best new musicals of the past quarter century, having won the Tony Awards for Best Score and Book. The thought-provoking musical is based on a best-selling novel and has been described by critics as both "dazzling" and brimming with "theatrical eloquence."

Twenty years have passed since "Ragtime" originally created a stir on Broadway, but APAC Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco believes that the show is both "timeless and timely" as reinvented by director-choreographer Salgado and his team.

Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Luis Salgado about his career and "Ragtime, The Musical."

In addition to performing on Broadway in "In the Heights" and "On Your Feet!", Salgado appeared in the original company of "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" with Laura Benanti, Patti LuPone and Brian Stokes Mitchell, as well as in "Rocky, The Musical." Other credits include: "The Mambo Kings," "A Chorus Line" and the play"The Ghost Dancer." Salgado's film credits include "Step Up 2 The Streets," "Enchanted," "Across the Universe," "The Great Observer," and "Dirty Dancing 2: Havana Nights."

While performing will always be important to him as an artist, Salgado is now focused on directing and producing via his company Salgado Productions, which is dedicated to making "Art with a Purpose," where his commitment to storytelling has led him to conceive and direct productions that tell original stories of Latin America. His work has been seen in Peru, Colombia, Holland, Puerto Rico, Chile, just to mention a few.

Throughout his career, Salgado has been honored as a choreographer and performer for his exceptional talents and ability to paint a story through movement. In January 2018, he received the Broadway World awards for Best Director and Best Choreographer for his work on the Spanish-language production of "In the Heights" in Washington, DC. Previously he was selected "Gypsy of the Month" by Broadway World for his consistent work on Broadway and Off-Broadway.

When did you first realize your penchant for theatre?

I always say I was 9 when I discovered my passion for theater. Like many kids I was in love with Magic since I was in Kindergarten, and I did little presentations in school, but it was at the age of nine that a teacher really got me hooked on the challenge of dancing, acting and singing. I knew right then that it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

How did your upbringing influence your creativity?

Everything about my upbringing influences my work. It's the example of hard-working individuals who often opened new doors that inspires me and connects me to the stories we tell, the scenes we build, the steps we choreograph. There are so many memories that resonate and ignite my work as an artist and they are all from my life experiences. The people in my life, my parents, grandparents, friends and people I've come to know are with me in the journey...

Is there anyone in particular who inspired your career?

JOSE JAVIER RIVERA, the school teacher who believed in me more than I believed in myself when I was a kid! After him many... Raul Julia, Sergio Trujillo, Andy Blankenbuhler, to name a few.

What are some of the challenges of directing Ragtime at Axelrod?

I feel like I am risking A LOT in the way we've chosen to tell this story, but I also think it is extremely worth it and this is the right moment, the right story to risk on. Heart comes first. Humanity comes first. Daring comes first. The same way that we should listen to our hearts and dare to take action to be in touch with the raw scene of our humanity.

Tell us a little about the cast and creative team.

I'm beyond words with this cast. They are GIFTED with their voices, OPEN with the process and hard working as hard working can be. The physical style of this production demands them all to connect, move and engage as one full ensemble and, they embrace this challenge with dedication and love. The creative team is a dream team... my Production Consultant and my associate are my true partners in creativity, I've done so many projects with them they speak my language and are part of Salgado productions. The Axelrod team is very supportive and inspires the challenge of working on such a massive project with their consistent commitment to getting it done the best way possible. Especially Andrew DePrisco who I've come to adore as a producer and visionary for the Axelrod.

What would you like metro area audiences to know about the show?

That it is filled with love, that each actor is committed to being fully present and share their love for art and passion for a better society with them. That they should not miss it!

For the future?

I am excited about this present time and how life is allowing me to dig deep into directing. This year is filled with new projects. Lots of them in development in and out the states. Upcoming projects include a Shakespeare piece I am devising for R.Evolución Latina, a new production in Bogota, Colombia, another epic new musical in Manila and clearly my team and I are very excited about the recent 18 Helen Hayes awards nomination including best ensemble, Best Production as well as Best Director/Choreographer for our Spanish Production of In The Heights in Washington D.C

You can find Luis Salgado on social media. Twitter: @lsalgadoart and @salgadoprods, Instagram: @salgadoprods

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luissalgadoofficial/ and https://www.facebook.com/SalgadoProductions/.

Show dates for"Ragtime, The Musical" in Deal Park, NJ are March 3, 10, 17, 24 at 8 PM, March 4, 11, 18, 25 at 3 PM. Tickets can be purchased at www.axelrodartscenter.com and range from $35 to $42.

About the Axelrod Performing Arts Center

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center fosters artistic excellence by showcasing varied and distinct cultural programs that enrich the imaginative, intellectual, and creative soul, while cultivating an appreciation of diverse communities through the pursuit of the arts. For more information, please visit www.axelrodartscenter.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Luis Salgado

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