Harry Houdini 00/00/0000 - Articles Page 10

RAGTIME is such an underrated piece of art. Although written in 1996 and staged for Broadway in 1998, it is almost prophetic in its reflection of the social unrest, racism and immigration sanctions prevalent in our world today. Based on the 1975 novel by E. L. Doctorow, with a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, RAGTIME is as relevant today as it was when first conceived. Its timelessness is a credit to its brilliant and perceptive writing, albeit a sad commentary of our present society which has not learned from its past and has not progressed much in civility or compassion.

In an effort to truly live up to its name, Little Radical Theatrics will be bringing to Westchester a wildly theatrical, moving, and innovative retelling of one of musical theater's most celebrated contemporary classics, RAGTIME. Set in turn-of-the-20th-century New York, a trifecta of inspiring tales are woven together -- of an upper-class wife who unexpectedly becomes a single mother, a determined Jewish immigrant, and a daring, young Harlem musician -- united by their courage, compassion, and belief in the promise of the future, as the original melting pot is on the verge of boiling over. Together they confront the timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America. This beautiful production is appropriate for all ages!

Contra Costa Civic Theatre (CCCT) today announced the cast for its season finale, Ragtime, directed by CCCT Artistic Director Marilyn Langbehn, with music direction by Tania Johnson and choreography by Allison Paraiso. Ragtime, with a Tony award-winning book and score by Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, plays CCCT's Main Stage beginning June 15 through July 22. For tickets and information visit the theatre's website at www.ccct.org or call 510.524.9012.

Trinity Repertory Company (TRC) punctuates the conclusion of its 2017-18 performance calendar with a definite exclamation mark. RAGTIME, now playing at TRC's upstairs Chace Theatre, is a season's best production both for the company and for the arts community statewide.

Trinity Rep closes out its 2017-18 Season with the Tony Award-winning musical Ragtime, which was written by Terrence McNally (book), Stephen Flaherty (music), and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics). Under the direction of Artistic Director Curt Columbus, Trinity Rep's production examines how the musical, which is set in 1906, reflects the country's current political and social climate. Based on the celebrated 1975 novel of the same name by E.L. Doctorow, the musical tackles race, women's rights, immigration, and workers' rights. Ragtime runs April 26 - May 27 in Trinity Rep's Elizabeth and Malcom Chace Theater, with press opening on Monday, April 30 at 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $25. More information can be found at www.trinityrep.com/ragtime.

In support of its commitment to theater for all, Trinity Repertory Company announces its May 26, 2:00 pm Sensory-Friendly PLUS performance of Ragtime. Designed to meet the needs of children and adults on the autism spectrum, and/or individuals with sensory processing disorders or other cognitive disabilities, this sensory-friendly performance features modified sound, lighting and other adjustments. Patrons are invited to make sounds, enter and exit as needed during the performance and enjoy the show with their families.

RAGTIME is a 1996 musical about the American experience at the turn of the 20th century with a book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty. The score is inspired by the musical styles of the period and includes marches, cakewalks, gospel and, of course, ragtime. Based on E. L. Doctorow's 1975 novel of the same name about early 20th century America, the story weaves together the disparite lives of three groups: African Americans, represented by Harlem musician Coalhouse Walker Jr. (Ben Toomer); the White upper-class of suburbia, represented by Mother (Emma Hearn), a New Rochelle matriarch; and immigrants, represented by Tateh (Trevor Berger), a Jewish immigrant from Latvia. The musical's message of acceptance and hope in the face of challenges is even more relevant today than it was two decades ago.

From Harry Houdini, to baseball, to Booker T. Washington, to the American Dream, Des Moines Playhouse's production of Ragtime covers a lot of ground - ten years to be exact. In presenting an encyclopedic glance of these ten years from 1902 - 1912, the musical, with book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty, slowly becomes a big ball of dense nostalgia with glimpses of heart every now and then. But that seems to be a bigger problem with the intent of the show to nicely wrap up ten years of history in under three hours rather than The Des Moines Playhouse's production. Yes, The Des Moines Playhouse's production (directed by John W. Viars)  is grand, beautiful, heartfelt and absolutely delicious to listen to, which makes it an excellent season closer for the company as they head into their 100th season and a renovated theatre.

Asolo Rep continues its 2017-18 season with the celebrated American musical RAGTIME. Directed by Peter Rothstein, founding artistic director of Theater Latte Da in Minneapolis, RAGTIME features a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, who all garnered Tony Awards for the production. The original Broadway production was directed by Frank Galati, who received a Tony nomination for his work and is an Associate Artist at Asolo Rep. A collaboration with Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre, RAGTIME previews May 1 - 3, opens May 4 and runs through May 27 in the Mertz Theatre, located in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. 

Trinity Rep closes out its 2017-18 Season with the Tony Award-winning musical Ragtime, which was written by Terrence McNally (book), Stephen Flaherty (music), and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics). Under the direction of Artistic Director Curt Columbus, Trinity Rep's production examines how the musical, which is set in 1906, reflects the country's current political and social climate. Based on the celebrated 1975 novel of the same name by E.L. Doctorow, the musical tackles race, women's rights, immigration, and workers' rights.

The award-winning Company Theatre announces non-equity open call auditions for the musical classic Ragtime on Sunday, May 20, 1 pm, The Company Theatre Center for Performing Arts, 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell. Callbacks will be held on Monday, May 21, 7 pm. Ragtime book is by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty. The show is directed by Zoe Bradford and Jordie Saucerman, with music direction by Steve Bass and choreography by Sally Forrest. All roles are open for casting. Further information and a rehearsal schedule will be available at auditions.

The Sacred Fools Theater Company is excited to present the World Premiere of the monster drama Akuma-shin by Kenley Smith, directed by Scott Leggett. The final Mainstage show of the company's 21st season opens Friday, March 30 and runs through Saturday, April 28 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 7pm. The show will be performed in the Main Stage Theater of the Broadwater Theater Complex.

A regional premiere, Side Show, by Bill Russell with music by Henry Krieger, is based on the true story of conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton, who became stars during the Depression. It is a moving portrait of two women literally joined at the hip, whose extraordinary bondage brings them fame but denies them love. The show follows their progression from England to America, around the vaudeville circuit and ultimately to Hollywood on the eve of their appearance in the 1932 movie Freaks. With a completely reworked plot and new songs, the 2014 revival version delves deeper into the backstory of the Hilton twins. As the twins' forge a relationship with Harry Houdini and face potential separation surgery, the book and lyrics by Bill Russell fleshes out characters and situations that endow Henry Krieger's music with more sophistication and truth. Side Show shines a spotlight on marginalized members of society, taking center stage in their own lives and dealing with mainstream emotions of love, success, suffering - and finally - acceptance. Performances run March 3rd thru March 18th, 2018. Gallery Players, 1125 College Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43209. Please visit http://columbusjcc.org/cultural-arts/gallery-players/ to get specific showtimes and purchase tickets.

Ragtime is a compelling epic capturing the American experience at the turn of the 20th century. Tracking three diverse families in pursuit of the American dream in the volatile "melting pot" of turn-of-the-century New York, Ragtime confronts the dialectic contradictions inherent in American reality: experiences of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair.

Greenville Little Theatre (GLT) will bring an epic piece of musical theatre to the stage with their upcoming production of Ragtime. This Tony award winning musical features some of the Upstate's most vocally talented performers; including Meg Foster, Jessica Eckenrod, Luke Browder, John Kilpatrick, Khristin Stephens, and features Greenville's own Delvin Choice in what might be his last local performance before pursuing his dreams of Broadway.

From the volatile melting pot of New York City at the dawn of a new century, comes the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, RAGTIME, kicking off Marriott Theatre's 2018 Season, January 24 through March 18, 2018 with a press opening yesterday, January 31 at 7:30 p.m. at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire.

From the volatile melting pot of New York City at the dawn of a new century, comes the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, RAGTIME, kicking off Marriott Theatre's 2018 Season, January 24 through March 18, 2018 with a press opening on Wednesday, January 31 at 7:30 p.m. at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Featuring a powerful score by the Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, and book by four-time Tony Award winner Terrence McNally, RAGTIME is a sweeping musical portrait of America. Seven-time Jeff Award winner Nick Bowling (The Bridges of Madison County, Man of La Mancha, The King and I) returns to Marriott Theatre to direct, with Musical Direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson and Choreography by Kenneth L. Roberson.

From the volatile melting pot of New York City at the dawn of a new century, comes the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, RAGTIME, kicking off Marriott Theatre's 2018 Season, January 24 through March 18, 2018 with a press opening on Wednesday, January 31 at 7:30 p.m. at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire.

I have seen Ragtime the Musical a half dozen times since it premiered in LA in 1997 prior to Broadway and...have never tired of it. Why? First, its simply gorgeous almost opera-like musical score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens moves me to tears. Secondly, it presents elements of pop culture mixed in with the meaningful historical content of America at the turn of the 20th century, making it the most relevant show in the last 25 years. Now by means of Candlelight's revival production, onstage in Claremont through February 24, Ragtime continues to enlighten and enchant simultaneously.

Revival Theatre Company (RTC) proudly opens its fourth season with Ragtime in Concert written by Terrence McNally, with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. Ragtime, set in early 20th century New York City, introduces the American experience through three different perspectives: African Americans, represented by Coalhouse Walker Jr., a Harlem musician; upper-class suburbanites, represented by Mother, the matriarch of a white upper-class family in New Rochelle, New York; and Eastern European immigrants, represented by Tateh, a Jewish immigrant from Latvia. Many turn of the 20th century historical figures are featured including Harry Houdini, Evelyn Nesbit, Booker T. Washington, J. P. Morgan, Henry Ford, Stanford White, Harry Kendall Thaw, Admiral Peary, Matthew Henson, and Emma Goldman.

The Ritz Theatre opens its 2018 season with a bright new marquee and a powerful musical.

Windy City Playhouse announces an expansion in programming with a world-premiere immersive theatrical production, 'Southern Gothic,' premiering February 7, 2017 in an open-ended engagement.

It is always a thrill when you discover a hidden gem in your own backyard. This was the experience I had last night attending my first show by the Connecticut Theatre Company in New Britain, Connecticut. It is appropriate that my first review for this company would be for RAGTIME, the Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty musical (with book by Terrence McNally) that includes a variety of themes including a focus on new experiences, changes in perspective, and listening to new music . I am thrilled to report that CTC's RAGTIME is a powerful and high-quality telling of the classic E.L. Doctorow tale. It hits all the right notes (literally and figuratively) and may be one of the best ensemble casts I have seen on a community theatre stage in Connecticut.

A unique and captivating one-man show is now onstage at 59E59 Theaters. 'A Regular Little Houdini' is written and performed by Daniel Llewelyn-Williams, directed by Joshua Richards, with composition by Meg Cox. It combines splendid storytelling and illusion with real historical events.

From the volatile melting pot of New York City at the dawn of a new century, comes the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, RAGTIME, kicking off Marriott Theatre's 2018 Season, January 24 through March 18, 2018. Featuring a powerful score by the Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, and book by four-time Tony Award winner Terrence McNally, RAGTIME is a sweeping musical portrait of America. Seven-time Jeff Award winner Nick Bowling (The Bridges of Madison County, Man of La Mancha, The King and I) returns to Marriott Theatre to direct, with Musical Direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson and Choreography by Kenneth L. Roberson.