KMPH FOX 26 | Central San Joaquin Valley News SourceDean Reviews "Ragtime"

Great Day's performing arts correspondent Dean Rhodus shares his review of "Ragtime."

You can catch the production at the Severance Theatre in the Tower District until September 25th.

Call (559) 442-5699 for more information.

"Ragtime" Review

I am tempted to write by way of review:

Superlative, superlative, superlative. Go, see this production of "Ragtime", and you too will search for superlatives to encourage your friends to go.

As I peruse the five pages of notes taken during the Sunday matinee performance on September 11, thoughts and feelings wash over me. I could go on and on. Let me attempt succinctness. 

The story is more than engaging, it is important. It speaks to the American dream and the spirits that make it come true.

Sara Price is attractive, sings beautifully and brings regal bearing from a time long past. Harrison Mills sings and acts convincingly. His dignity and integrity are crucial to the story and depiction of the struggle of a people. Brent Moser is very impressive in his ability to give arc to a character who moves from humility and fervor to grandiosity while retaining the humility and fervor that we came to love and respect. Julie Lucido articulated well the emerging feminist movement. Kelly Hall was alluring as Evelyn Nesbit. Dee Smith sang the heck out the first act finale, "Till we reach that day".

As mentioned during the on air portion of this review, I feel that Broadway is moving in the direction of opera, and opera is moving in the direction of Broadway. This musical score, dramatic requirements and darkness of storyline seem to be the embodiment of that idea. That is not to say that the story is without its lighter moments. There is clever dialog, incisive understanding and uplifting intent, all accomplished by a cast totally committed to the play's fine depiction of the struggle of all humanity and the hope found in the proverbial American Spirit (a character in and of itself).

Kaye Migaki's choreography is impressive and added to one's understanding of the era. Lisa Schumacher's costumes were brilliant. Terry Estabrook's musical preparation was heard readily in the satisfying clarity and tone of the ensemble numbers. David Sarkisian's conducting continues to underpin the entire performance with the fine accompanying only a singer can offer. Joel C. Abel's directing was mature, passionate and yet restrained. His production standards can only be accomplished with tireless attention to detail.

This one has the look of the "big time". I can only add that it is PWI!