The Riverside Press-Enterprise
Group to offer new version of ‘Ragtime’
Inland Master Chorale will present a concert version of “Ragtime, the Musical” 4 p.m. March 5 in Memorial Chapel on the University of Redlands campus, 1200 E. Colton Ave.
“Ragtime” is the story of three families in pursuit of the American dream at the turn of the 20th century. Based on E.L. Doctorow’s novel “Ragtime,” the Tony award-winning musical written by Terrence Mcnally, with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, tells the intersecting stories of an upper-class white family, a Harlem musician and a Jewish immigrant.
Together, they experience the country’s contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America, according to a news release.
“Ragtime” is recommended for mature audiences because of language and depictions of racism and violence.
Inland Master Chorale’s performance features the 70-member chorale, soloists, a guest gospel choir and a ragtime band.
Lead characters are Grace Stewart as Mother, George Becker as Father, Zach Krug as Tateh, Steven
Amie as Coalhouse Walker Jr. and Veronica Young as Sarah.
Those in supporting roles include Nick Brailas as Younger Brother, Jennifer Sparks as Sarah’s Friend, Franklin Stuart as
Willie Conklin and Michael Hicks as Grandfather. Little Boy and Little Girl are portrayed by Theo Burke and Madelyn Tang, respectively.
The musical also includes historical figures such as car-maker Henry Ford, played by David Robinson; financial giant J.P. Morgan, played by Paul Kellerman; illusionist Harry Houdini, played by Jacob Hall; vaudeville star Evelyn Nesbit, played by Vicki Carrigan; and social activist Emma Goldman, played by Dora Ridgeway.
Inland Master Chorale’s artistic director is Joseph Modica, director of the School of Performing Arts and the Conservatory of Music at the University of Redlands. Zachary Krug is the chorale’s assistant director, and Sophie Tait is the chorale’s pianist.
Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and $10 for students and children. Children younger than 5 are not admitted. For advance tickets and information, go to inlandmasterchorale.org.