SLEEPLESS CRITIC.com – Oh, how that music rolls along. Much like the show’s polished Ford Model T, Company Theatre’s Ragtime the Musical hums like a well oiled machine, driven by its marvelous music, veering into life’s complicated pursuit of happiness.
Composed of an energetic, 15 piece live orchestra led by Music Director Steve Bass, this bustling, message-driven musical portrays America through many different sets of eyes, an America full of expectations, hope, and disappointment. Many looked to America for answers and some discovered it was not quite what they expected. Some realized the answers were there all along, and some took their comfortable world for granted. As each impressive note swells, another day dawns to face fears, work harder, and support your neighbor. You might even find yourself singing a new song.
Company Theatre kicked off their 40th season with Ragtime the Musical on Friday, July 27 and continuing Sunday, August 19 at the Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and for tickets.
With the bulk of the cast frequently onstage, costume designer Brianna Plummer carefully orchestrates a bold statement into each costume, painting her own distinct portrait from white lace and pearls to bowler hats and colorful suits faithful to the era. Behind a white parasol and a string of pearls, Paula Markowitz portrays privileged, yet compassionate New Rochelle resident, Mother. Markowitz’s silvery soprano vocals soar with the heartfelt numbers, Goodbye, My Love and Back to Before. It is a privilege to see Markowitz depict her character on a transformative journey, torn between her pensive pauses and her impulsiveness.Ragtime the Musicalexplores America from many different perspectives from Eastern European immigrants, people of Harlem led by a successful jazz musician, and the upper-class residents of New Rochelle, New York. Much of Ragtime is a historical story told. Narrated with gravitas in part by Jeffrey Sewell as Younger Brother, the catchy, rich, and stirring vocals combined with the complex, interweaving tale is the real magic of this piece. With a cast brimming with sensational voices, Ragtime delivers one spine-tingling song after another.
With a firm, bearded frown, Peter S. Adams portrays seemingly controlling Father as unyieldingly practical, astute, and always driven by what he thinks are good intentions. Adams and Markowitz have a familiar chemistry that takes on the earmarks of an old married couple. They move together with a comforting predictability. Adams’s melodious, rich vocals are especially poignant during the number, New Music.
Peter S. Adams as Father and Owen Veith as The Little Boy with cast in the number, ‘What a Game’ Photo courtesy of Company Theatre for the Arts
Owen Veith portrays their chatty, wise, and precocious Little Boy. Not only is he an adorable addition to the cast, but Veith has some real comic timing as he innocently spouts out truth at the most inconvenient times.
Michael Hammond delivers warmth and enthusiasm as Jewish immigrant, Tateh. He is a seemingly jubilant hard worker, often hiding his pain. He has a sweet compatibility with Hannah Dwyer as The Little Girl as they discover a new world and is especially charming during the imaginative number, Gliding.
(L to R) Barbara Baumgarten, Cristian Sack, Hilary Goodnow, Brenna Kenney, Finn Clougherty, Jillian Griffin, with Hannah Dwyer as Little Girl and Michael Hammond as Tateh Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford
Introduced fittingly by the infectious tune Henry Ford, The Ford Model T is something to behold and is its own character. With working headlights, the Ford Model T is suburb, much like the character driving it. Last seen as the Wizard in Lyric Stage Company’s The Wiz, Davron S. Monroe as Model T owner and successful Harlem jazz musician Colehouse Walker Jr. embodies the role with charisma, dignity, and sympathetic earnestness. One could also listen to his velvety vocals all day. Arielle Rogers delivers a moving performance as Sarah, punctuated by her pained, heart rendering version of Daddy’s Son. Together, they perform a magnificent version of Wheels of a Dream. Get in the car, park it at Company Theatre, and witness that magic.
Devron S. Monroe as Colehouse Walker Jr. in ‘Ragtime’ with cast Photo courtesy of Company Theatre for the Arts
The show is not without its moments of satirical humor delivered by over the top, flirtatious showgirl, model, and actress Evelyn Nesbit, portrayed with a wink and a smile by Sarah Kelly. Along with James Fernandez as spectacular Hungarian immigrant illusionist Harry Houdini, these two historical figures shine the light on what the world aspires to.
Company Theatre’s Ragtime the Musical continues through Sunday, August 19 at Company Theatre for the Arts, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts. Click here for more information, tickets, and how to support Company Theatre’s future. Also follow Company Theatre on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to learn all about their milestone 40th season.
By Jeanne Denizard, photos by Zoe Bradford
