THEATER REVIEW; "Ragtime" Nostalgia at the turn of the century.

By Marsha Patelson, February 2009

Last night I had the pleasure of a totally enthralling performance of "Ragtime", a great musical based on the novel by E.L Doctorow. The story takes place a few years after the turn of the century. It intertwines three different groups of people at very different ends of the spectrum: the privileged wealthy, the impoverished immigrants, and the struggling blacks dealing with so many injustices.

The show's dazzling opening number, done to perfection by these gifted performers, immediately entices and engages the audience for the next three hours. It combines the haunting, lilting music of Stephen Flaherty and the dynamic choreography of Ryan Kasprzak most memorably. The story is told beautifully through the lilting melodies and beautiful voices of Anna Lise Jensen (mother) and Janine Ayn Romano(Sarah). A delightful, whimsical performance by Stacie Bono (Evelyn Nesbit), contributes contrast to the other, more serious characters. Daniel Henri Luttway (little boy) does a charming performance throughout the evening.

Mark Gerrard (Tateh or father) and his daughter, Jordan Bloom, perform very sensitively as the Jewish immigrants trying to survive and succeed in America. D.William Hughes (Coalhouse Walker, Jr) performs magnificently as a ragtime piano player, who has been away touring the country. He comes back to Janine Ayn Romano (Sarah), only to discover that they have a son. In their emotionally charged duo, "Wheels of a Dream", they hope for a better life for him.

 

In the number "New Music" performed by the company, the phrase "when did they change their song?" acts as a wonderful metaphor for the changing attitudes, and eventually coming together of all these people. As Matthew D. Brooks (Booker T. Washington) says; "the truth is all"

 

Tom Wojtunik,Artistic Director, Taryn Drongwoski, Executive Director and Ryan Kasprzak, Choreographer and Daniel Feyer, Music Director deserve much credit with this production. The entire Production staff have done an incredible job.

 

This show is a must see for both young and old alike.

 

When:Feb..5-22: Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8 p.m. Sundays at 6 p.m.

Where: Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 30-44 Crescent St. Astoria

Cost: $15, $18 at the door

Contact: www.apacny.org or 866-811 4111 for tickets.