Many may know “Ragtime” as a grand Broadway spectacle—or even from the grand, 1981 feature film.
But there is something magical about seeing this larger-than-life story in person, and on a smaller stage. In this way, you can see facial expressions filled with torment, love and hatred. You can clearly hear the emotions behind line, whether spoken or sung.
Directed by Rachel Landon, the high-energy and emotionally charged musical debuted this weekend at Open Stage of Harrisburg’s intimate downtown theater. The cast portrays complex roles, making each gaze and grimace a memorable sight. The acting and impressive voices are best experienced up close and very personal.
The play centers around three groups of people—white, black and immigrant—and how they experience turn-of-the-century America in all its glory and all its misery. The production breathes deeply of the rapidly changing times circa 1900 and the emergence of such phenomena as celebrity influence, mass-market culture, transience and the quest for economic and racial equality, among other issues.
As the play progresses, the characters’ lives become interconnected, and they learn how their actions can have unexpected consequences.
This production features impressive double- and triple-character casting. Performers fluidly change attitude, posture, head-to-toe fashion and tone of voice.
Georgianna Hicks plays a spunky Evelyn Nesbit as she wears glittering garb and hits every high note. Surrounded by protest signs that read “Opportunities for all people,” Benny Benamati channels anarchist Emma Goldman’s passionate spirit.
The live, three-piece orchestra plucks string instruments and piano keys, while the performers articulate in tandem. The carefully choreographed left- and right-footsteps mimic Henry Ford’s systematic assembly line. Boisterous speakeasy patrons float across the stage as they dance.
The score never stops to catch its breath, and each song is just as impactful as the one before. Characterized by its syncopated and ragged rhythm, ragtime music is unexpected. Though the characters step to each beat with determination and hope, they are swept into a cacophony of grief and loss.
Jimmy Oronoz plays his role as Coalhouse Walker, Jr. with such conviction that, when he balls his fists and cries demands of justice, the audience collectively holds its breath. You could also feel Mother’s [Stacey Werner] emotions build to an intense crescendo during the powerful solo, “Back To Before.” As Sarah [Pilisa Mackey] and Coalhouse [Oronoz] sing and dance together, their chemistry shines.
Occasionally, a wall-mounted television displays genuine black-and-white footage of historical events. As we, the audience, watch the cast watch the television, we recognize that the socioeconomic themes of a bygone era are still with us in today’s America.
Given the intimacy of the stage and the talented cast, you can expect to get goose bumps watching this production of “Ragtime.” You also may realize how much has changed over the past century-plus—and how much hasn’t.
“Ragtime” runs through June 16 at Open Stage of Harrisburg, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For more information and tickets, call 717-232-6736 or visit www.openstagehbg.com.
