“Ragtime”
Goodspeed Musicals
Goodspeed Musicals is currently presenting a glorious and moving production of the musical “Ragtime.” With a book by Terrence McNally and a score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, this show is truly an epic and it is filled with gorgeous songs and memorable characters. The production at Goodspeed Musicals does full justice to this work, including the scope of the various stories in the musical, and the cast is uniformly outstanding. Director Christopher D. Betts has done a Herculean job of staging this show and he has worked sensationally with his design team to create a truly remarkable evening of theater. It is highly recommended that you get to Goodspeed Musicals to experience the power of this show and it is advised to bring tissues with you, as well.
From the opening number, “Ragtime” is enthralling and those, like myself, who have vivid memories of the original Broadway production of this musical, can see immediately that this show is being presented on a grand scale. The striking two level set (wonderfully designed by Emmie Finckel) is reminiscent of the Broadway original without being a copy, and practically every inch of the Goodspeed Musicals stage teams with life. What’s also notable in this revival is how well the entire company has been cast.
In the large role of Coalhouse Walker Jr., Michael Wordly is astounding and displays a powerful voice and presence onstage. Equally good is the magnificent Mamie Parris, as Mother, and her delivery of her character’s big songs is sublime. Parris especially shines in “Goodbye, My Love” and her rendition of “Back to Before” quite literally stops the show. This actress is also a wonder in the songs she shares with the character of Tateh, who is portrayed with aching tenderness by David R. Gordon. Playing an immigrant coming to America with his daughter, Gordon breaks one’s heart with the song “Gliding” and also scores with the lovely duet with Parris, “Our Children.”
In the role that won Audra McDonald a Tony Award, Brennyn Lark is a revelation as Sarah and her delivery of the devastating song, “Your Daddy’s Son,” pierces one’s heart. Behr Marshall is equally good as Mother’s Younger Brother, particularly in the song he shares with Emma Goldman (the indelible Blair Goldberg), called “The Night That Goldman Spoke at Union Square.” In another standout role, Edward Watts is strong as Father and this actor is able to embrace all of the nuances of his character. He also helps to turn the song, “New Music,” into a stunning anthem.
But the entire company of “Ragtime” overflows with excellent performances and there isn’t a weak link in the cast. Mia Gerachis is a treat as Evelyn Nesbit, especially in her big song, “The Crime of the Century.” Matching her (and frequently onstage with her) is Jonathan Cobrda as Harry Houdini, who is as magical as he possibly could be. Their song in the second act, “Atlantic City,” works brilliantly and the beautiful show curtain used for the number changes the whole atmosphere of the musical. The costumes designed by Stephanie Bahniuk are similarly fantastic and period perfect and the lighting design by Charlie Morrison is luminous.
Not to be forgotten is Sara Edwards’ terrific choreography and Edwards works in perfect accordance with the director, helping to shape the entire show into a knockout. Stephen Flaherty’s music sounds great as played by the grand orchestra, led by the masterful musical director Adam Souza. But everything works in this show. “Ragtime” at Goodspeed Musicals is truly a gift and it ranks as a must see, just to bask in the transcendent magnificence of this musical and to watch this flawless company of actors bring this show to vibrant life.
“Ragtime” runs through June 15, 2025 at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, CT. For tickets and more information, please visit http://www.goodspeed.org.
Photo: Full company
Photo by Diane Sobolewski
Reviews by Zander Opper 
Hi Zander,
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