Review: Goodspeed Musicals, "Ragtime, The Musical"

Goodspeed Opera House, Essex, CT

www.goodspeed.org 

through June 15, 2025

by Suzanne Wells

"Ragtime, The Musical" is a dramatic, inspiring, and entertaining production by Goodspeed Opera House, directed by Christopher D. Betts. Representing three demographics during the Golden Age of America—the wealthy, the immigrants, and the children of freed slaves—"Ragtime" captures the disappointments, struggles, hopes, and dreams of each as they strive to embrace the American ideal that all are welcome and anyone can be successful.

Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The stage is set in a large room with cathedral ceilings, a second-level catwalk in front of long floor-to-ceiling windows, and a rolling staircase. This simple, elegant design by Emmie Finckel offers a myriad of locations, from ships docked in the harbor to salons in mansions to train stations. With the assistance of digital backdrops, the open-air construct allows for outdoor scenes on city streets, parks, and roadsides.

The costume design by Stephanie Bahniuk transports the viewer to a time when the wealthy were clad in chiffon dresses with parasols, three-piece suits and top hats; immigrants struggled in the cottons and wools of their homelands; and colored folks, in their taffeta dresses and off-the-rack pinstripe suits celebrated life in Harlem dance halls. Background to the latter is the spectacular, star-spangled sequins of the vaudevillians.

The music, conducted by Adam Souza, superbly blends a variety of genres including ragtime, gospel, and traditional melodies. Choreography by Sara Edwards, with its varied kick lines and shadow waltzes is a sensational sight to behold.

Every actor of this 23-person cast plus ensemble deserves recognition for their exceptional performances.  Each member’s unique energy and skill in acting, singing, and dancing enhances the deep, emotional experience of this story. Michael Wordly’s portrayal of Coalhouse Walker, Jr, is powerful and poignant.  His deep, earthy voice reaches into the soul and extracts emotions of hope, joy, and sorrow.  Mamie Parris’ nuanced performance of strength and vulnerability establishes her character, “Mother,” the heart of the show.  As “Father,” Edward Watts is compelling with the evolution of his character from segregated elitist to a believer of equality.  Stephen Tewksbury’s versatility shines in his dual roles of “Grandfather,” providing comic relief, and of Irish immigrant, Willie Conklin engendering feelings of hatred and revulsion. 

“Ragtime, The Musical” is a testament to the power of theater to provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of the American experience, both then, and now.