TIMELY MUSICAL
‘Ragtime’ takes on issues of racism, inequality that are relevant today
There are many similarities between life during the turn of the 20th century and today’s world.
Despite strides for equality, there are still rifts.
These are some of the issues that the musical “Ragtime” tackles.
The Tony Award-winning production is being staged by Albuquerque-based Landmark Musicals beginning on Saturday, March 10, at Rodey Theatre at the University of New Mexico.
“Every issue that they are struggling with in 1912 is relevant to today,” says Myra Cochnar, president and artistic director of Landmark Musicals. “They are dealing with racism and economic inequality. We are struggling with all those issues today. It’s a timely musical.”
“Ragtime” takes place at the dawn of a new century — when the world is changing.
It tells the story of three families in the pursuit of the American dream.
Set in the volatile melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York, three distinctly American tales are woven together — that of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician — united by their courage, compassion and belief in the promise of the future.
Together, they confront history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair and what it means to live in America.
It is written by the award-winning composer/lyricist team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally, and based on E.L. Doctorow’s distinguished novel.
According to Cochnar, “Ragtime” is among the most important — and largest — productions in Landmark’s 11-year history.
“We’re honored to be presenting it,” she says. “Not only is the message timely, but the music is memorable and the entire show is simply thrilling.”
Cochnar says the production is made up of nearly 60 individuals, including a full orchestra.
Among the musical’s historical figures are Harry Houdini, Henry Ford, J.P. Morgan, Booker T. Washington and Emma Goldman.
The director is Art Tedesco and the music director is Darby Fegan with choreography by Louis and Courtney Giannini. The production is designed by Dahl Delu, the Emmy-winning design director.