Ragtime February 19, 2009

This musical based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow is about three families (suburban WASP, immigrant Italian, African-American) at the beginning of the 20th century. Though they are from different social strata, their fates intertwine. Historical figures of the day blend into the story as well - from J.P. Morgan to Emma Goldman, from Harry Houdini to Booker T. Washington. The vitality of the era, as well as the bigotry and small-mindedness comes vividly to light. Some featured songs: 'Wheels of a Dream,' 'Nothing Like the City,' 'Harry Houdini, Master Escape Artist,' 'Ragtime/Wheel of a Dream,' 'Make Them Hear You.'