Ragtime

The Kennedy Center presents an all-new production of Ragtime, the Tony-winning musical based on an E.L. Doctorow novel that intertwines three distinct families' stories in turn-of-the-century New York.

• Apr 18 - May 17, 2009
• Eisenhower Theater
• Approx. 2-3/4 hours
• $25.00 - $90.00

About the Program | Reviews | Watch and Listen | Additional Resources | Related Events | Gift Items | Sponsors

About the Program

Artists:

• Terrence McNally , book
• Stephen Flaherty , music
• Lynn Ahrens , lyrics
• E.L. Doctorow , author

"NOTHING SHORT OF HEAVENLY! Looks and sounds so good. It's the best-sung show the Kennedy Center has mounted in years. GLORIOUS!"
--Peter Marks, The Washington Post

"SIMPLY STUNNING! The cast packs a delicious wallop."
--Paul Harris, Variety

"Chock full of musical highlights. The power and majesty of Ragtime are fully intact. Indeed, I dare you to try not to shed a tear. Or two."
--TheaterMania
 
"The show crept up on my heart, went boom, and startled it many times. It moved me greatly…a genuine theatrical triumph."
--DC Theatre Scene

"Explosive and thrilling! Theater-shaking intensity…a vibrant production"
--Bloomberg.com

"A KNOCKOUT! (Five Stars)"
--Metro Weekly
 
"SUPERB SINGING…BREATHTAKING SCOPE!"
--Baltimore Sun

THE CATHERINE B. REYNOLDS FOUNDATION SERIES FOR ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE
Ragtime
The Musical
 
WINNER! Four 1998 Tony Awards including Best Book and Best Score!

Book by Terrence McNally
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Based on the novel RAGTIME by E.L. Doctorow
Directed and choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge
Music Director James Moore
Scenic Design by Derek McLane
Original Costume Design by Santo Loquasto
Lighting Design by Donald Holder
Sound Design by Jonathan Deans and Garth Helm
Additional Costume Design by Jimm Halliday
Wig and Hair Design by Bernie Ardia

In this brand-new production of the acclaimed Broadway musical Ragtime, the Kennedy Center turns back the clock to the start of the 20th century--a time when anything was possible and ragtime music was king! For many, New York City was the land of opportunity. A poor Jewish immigrant sells his "moving picture" books on the street. A wealthy Victorian couple welcomes a runaway into their home. A Harlem jazz pianist turns an issue of justice into a revolution. One by one, their personal journeys come alive as historic figures offer guidance and diversion--among them escape artist Harry Houdini, auto tycoon Henry Ford, famed educator Booker T. Washington, and chorus girl Evelyn Nesbit. Together, their stories celebrate the struggle between tradition and independence… black and white… old and new… all in pursuit of the American dream. With its cast of vibrant characters, vivid sets and costumes, and Tony Award–winning book and score, Ragtime is the can't-miss theater event of spring 2009.
Performance timing:  Approximately 2 hours, 45 minutes

PRINCIPAL CASTING
Father: Ron Bohmer
Coalhouse Walker Jr.: Quentin Earl Darrington
Tateh: Manoel Felciano (April 18–May 10)
Tateh: Jonathan Hammond (May 12–17)
Mother: Christiane Noll (April 18–May 15, 17)
Mother: Carrie A. Johnson (May 16 mat. & eve.)
Sarah: Jennlee Shallow
Younger Brother: Bobby Steggert
Little Boy: Christopher Cox
Little Girl: Sarah Rosenthal
 
ENSEMBLE
The ensemble includes Mark Aldrich as Willie Conklin, Susan Derry as Kathleen, Gavin Esham as Stanford White, Aaron Galligan-Stierle as Henry Ford, David Garry as J.P. Morgan, Jonathan Hammond (April 18–May 10) and Josh Walden (May 12–17) as Harry Houdini, Leigh Ann Larkin as Evelyn Nesbit, Dan Manning as Grandfather, Donna Migliaccio as Emma Goldman, Tracy Lynn Olivera as Brigit, Bryonha Parham as Sarah's Friend, Josh Walden (April 18–May 10) and Sean McKnight (May 12–17) as Harry K. Thaw, Eric Jordan Young as Booker T. Washington, as well as Sumayya Ali, Melvin Bell III, Kevin Boseman, Corey Bradley, Shelby Braxton-Brooks, Benjamin Cook, Elizabeth Loren Earley, Jamie Goodson, Carrie A. Johnson, Rashad Koker, Gregory Maheu, Elisa Van Duyne, Nellesa Walthour, and Jim Weaver.

Ragtime is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Notice: There are a limited number of $25 tickets available for this engagement. They are available for purchase in-person only at the Kennedy Center Box Office with a limit of two (2) tickets per person. Prior to coming to the Kennedy Center, please call (202) 467-4600 to check availability.

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Funding is provided by The Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation and Stephen and Christine Schwarzman.

Additional support is provided by The Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation.



All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

Group of 20 or more? Group Sales offers special terms and discounts for most performances.

Watch and Listen

• Ragtime: Director Marcia Milgrom Dodge discuss her vision for ‘Ragtime’
• Ragtime: An interview with actor Quentin Earl Darrington (Coalhouse Walker Jr.)
• Ragtime: An interview with actor Manoel Felciano (Tateh)
• Ragtime: An interview with actor Christiane Noll (Mother)

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Additional Resources

About the Kennedy Center Theater Series

Theater Look-In Ragtime

Reviews and Articles

Related Events

Theater Look-in: Ragtime  Apr 29, 2009 at 5:00 PM 

From the Gift Shop

• 

  Ragtime T-Shirt (THEATER)
  Price: $12.00

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