York Little Theater Presents RAGTIME 4/24-5/3

York Little Theatre will present Ragtime, the American classic, Tony-winning, Broadway musical based on E.L. Doctorow's 1975 novel. Ragtime is a narrative of 20th century growing pains with themes addressing race and poverty, women's roles, cultural changes, and the impact of technology.

The story focuses on three social groups in America at the turn of the 20th century and how they learn to break through barriers that have kept them separated. They are represented by characters Coalhouse Walker, Jr. (played by Damon McToy), a Harlem musician; Mother (Jen McGurn) an upper crust, white, New Rochelle matriarch; and Tateh (Seth G. Martin), a Latvian Jewish immigrant. Historical figures such as Houdini, Evelyn Nesbit, Booker T. Washington, J.P. Morgan, Henry Ford, Stanford White, harry K. Thaw, Admiral Peary, and Emma Goldman are woven into the fictional narrative.
"This is a breathtaking show," says YLT Artistic Director Eric Bradley Long. "It's epic in scale and the music is gorgeous. It's a wonderfully entertaining story and doesn't need any theatrical spectacle because it is so rich in plot, music and character."

With little dialogue, the show's emphasis is musical. Musical director Priscilla Howard tackles the compelling score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty which is itself a melting pot of American music drawing on Jewish folk songs, marches, cakewalks, gospel, and of course, ragtime. Choreographer Angela Wise rounds out the team. "The show is a synergy of music, dance and acting, and we all work closely together," adds Long.

Authentic period costuming was designed and created by YLT Costume Coordinator Patee Pizzirousso and an industrial gingerbread, multi-use set which has to provide a background for a number of different places was designed by YLT Technical Director Bob McLeary
Ragtime performances are April 24, 25, 30, May 1, 2 at 8 p.m. and April 26 and May 3 at 3 p.m. Tickets may be purchased on line at www.ylt.org or by calling the box office at 717-854-5715. Ragtime is sponsored by J.N. Nath's USA Inc., and is part of the 2008-2009 Columbia Gas Season.
York Little Theatre is a nonprofit community theatre which values and nurtures the irreplaceable role of the arts and is dedicated to engaging and enriching its entire, diverse community in the dramatic arts through a broad range of professionally directed, entertaining, stimulating, and sometimes provocative performances.
York Little Theatre is located at 27 South Belmont Street, York PA at exit 19A of I-83, just south of Market Street. York Little Theatre is a proud member of The Cultural Alliance of York.

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