Front Row Reviewers

Feb 22, 2020 | Reviews

Ogden Musical Theatre’s Ragtime: the Musical in Concert at Peery’s Egyptian Theater in Ogden is Perfect for a Month of Love and Black History

Front Row Reviewers

Front Row Reviewers

By Ashlei Havili Thomas

For someone who has never seen a musical in concert before, Ogden Musical Theatre’s production of Ragtime: the Musical in Concert at Peery’s Egyptian Theater is a new and exciting sensation in Ogden, Utah. Without the traditional costumes and set and the entire cast seated on the stage in concert blacks, what is left are the bare bones of any musical: the heart of the cast, crew and orchestra. With accompaniment by Chamber Orchestra Ogden, this company does not disappoint. With a well-used and creative light design as well as spectacular direction and acting, Ogden Musical Theatre allows the cast to truly shine;; there areno frills or razzle-dazzle, just soul, song, and syncopation.

Ragtime, with book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, is based on the novel of the same name by E.L. Doctorow. It follows the story of three distinct pieces of Gilded Age society. First is the family in New Rochelle, New York. Without names, they’re simply called Father, Mother, Younger Brother, Grandfather and Little Boy. A well-off white family, they live without a ruffle or care, until Sarah and Coalhouse Walker come into their lives. A separated couple from Harlem, the Walkers want nothing more than a better life for their newborn son. Tateh also wants simply to provide a better life for his daughter as they arrive from Latvia as poor immigrants with nothing to their names. Ragtime follows all of them in turn as their lives intersect and impact one another, while remaining true to the time by including several historical figures such as Henry Ford, Evelyn Nesbit, and Harry Houdini.

Tristan Johnson as Coalhouse is raw and unapologetic. Johnson’s despair and anger as he searches for justice is powerful, bringing the audience into the current of emotion. Olivia Lusk’s Sarah is a bright star of hope in the production. Her soaring voice captivates while her acting steals the hearts of all watching. Valerie Parker as Mother gives a new feel to a character that is the most relatable to Utah audiences. Parker breathes new life into the role while her grounded acting and singing anchors the show. Danny Inkley likewise wows the audience with his performance as Tateh. Inkley sings with passion while his emotion as Tateh ties the audience to him, drawing them along in his story.

While the stage may be bare, the lighting design by Hayden Wadsworth creates more atmosphere than the audience might believe is possible. With the help of projected images, the stage is beautifully and simply set with Wadsworth’s choice of color and clever lighting. His design perfectly complements the direction of Teresa Sanderson. Sanderson’s directing, while subtle, is perfect both for this show and the concert style of performance. Michael Palumbo as the musical conductor does beautiful work with the Chamber Orchestra Ogden, never missing a beat, with some of the more nervous cast members and tricky timing of some pieces. The creative staff as a whole makes the cast shine, crafting a piece for the audience to reminisce about for years to come.

This show is one this reviewer would recommend for all audiences; however, some historically accurate phrases may have attendees wanting to leave their younger children at home. Though some tough, uncomfortable conversations may need to be hashed out before the show begins, the importance of this show’s themes and overarching messages are not to be ignored. Speaking of the many peoples portrayed in this show, Ogden Musical Theatre says in their director’s note, “As each of these groups struggle with life, and the individual challenges it brings, you and I are reminded that we each have a responsibility to stand up for the equality of each person, no matter the age, race, or gender. This God-given right should be extended to all.” This show’s relevance to today is unmistakable. It is worth the conversation.

Ogden Musical Theatre presents Ragtime: the Musical in Concert with Book by Terrence McNally, Music by Stephen Flaherty and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens at Peery’s Egyptian Theater.
Peery’s Egyptian Theater, 2415 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401
Dates: Feb 21-22, 2020, 7:30 PM
Tickets:: $15-20
ogdenmusicaltheatre.org
Ogden Musical Theatre Facebook Page
Ragtime: the Musical in Concert Facebook Event

Front Row Reviewers

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