Ragtime
The Gallery Players presents a revival of this musical portrait of early-20th-century NYC featuring intersecting stories of three families pursuing the American Dream. Based on E. L. Doctorow's acclaimed novel.
... Read moreAt the dawn of a new century, everything is changing, and anything is possible. Set in the volatile melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York City, three distinctly American tales are woven together—that of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant, and a daring young Harlem musician—united by their courage, compassion, and belief in the promise of the future. Together, they confront history's timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America. Written by award-winning songwriters Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, and noted playwright Terrence McNally.
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- Gallery Players (Brooklyn)
Cast & Creatives (48)
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Reviews (37)
4 Critics' Reviews
"McNally’s book, a small masterpiece of concision and focus, stitches Flaherty and Ahrens’s superb songs into a 'gorgeous mosaic' of the story of America...Not every cast member boasts Broadway-quality singing chops, but the overall talent level is most impressive...Director Mark Harborth marshals the large cast skillfully to render the show’s panoramic portrait of the human spirit with piercing energy, convincing period atmosphere, and clever staging, buoyed by witty choreography." Full Review
“The basis of the story involves three groups - Blacks from Harlem, Middle-Class Whites from New Rochelle, and Jewish Immigrants from the Lower East Side. They live separately but the early 20th Century has brought in with it a new music, which appears destined to upset the old order. Political turmoil, labor unrest, and the boiling over of the melting pot seem to foreshadow conflicts that may be inevitable. This production features 37 actors and excellent choreography. I highly recommend it.” Full Review
"In the hands of the Gallery Players, 'Ragtime' flourishes. Under the capable direction of Mark Harborth and his talented cast, the musical is compelling, entertaining, and heart-wrenching...The vocals in this production of 'Ragtime' make the show a must-see...But if you don’t go for the vocals, go for the dance numbers. Brilliantly choreographed and seamlessly executed, the dance scenes in this production are fun and full of vitality...The music of 'Ragtime' resonates with everyone." Full Review
“The cast is superb. The period costumes make the pre-World War I era come alive before our eyes. The fight sequences are amazingly realistic. The play features three groups - blacks in Harlem, whites in New Rochelle, and Jewish immigrants from Latvia. They live separate and apart but in this play, several events take place causing their worlds to collide. I highly recommend this production. The Gallery Players did a magnificent job. Do yourself a real favor by seeing it!” Full Review
33 Members' Reviews
See it if you enjoy classic musicals very well staged in a small (almost intimate) space.
Don't see it if you believe alternative facts or you don't acknowledge racism still exists.
See it if Consensus of 5 of us is a 99. Almost perfect. Cast of 36 can do no wrong. . Dance and songs super. Gallery Players have had a super season
Don't see it if Sorry... no negatives,, The Gallery just needs more seats.
See it if you're interested in early 20th century Americana or issues of race and immigration. The cast does a great job with limited resources.
Don't see it if you don't prefer stripped-down shows that are light on sets and costumes, or you're just not into classic musicals.
See it if Timely revival of epic Americana musical Vital & wholehearted effort by director Harborth & spirited cast Minimal set allows optimal dancing
Don't see it if Clunky 2nd act still troubles, too many plot lines to close & too ballad heavy Lively cast a big plus w/stand outs Zannelli, Koren & Jordan
See it if you never make the trek to Brooklyn for theater. a new high for the great Gallery. magnificently sung and staged. monumental and moving
Don't see it if no excuse not to see this thrilling production of a great show
See it if you enjoy period pieces w/beautiful costumes, staging & masterful music. Parts are hard to take, but it IS exquisitely & exceptionally done.
Don't see it if US history race-relations & equal-rights struggle is a turn-off. Not a happy theme. It's deep, thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, & REAL.
See it if You're looking for something beautiful with an amazing score and gorgeous songs!
Don't see it if you're looking for a fun, leave smiling "Disney" type musical. This is deep and very relevant for our currant climate.
See it if Just sit back watch and listen to some of the best lyrics ever. Many genres of music
Don't see it if If hearing the N word is disturbing to you
See it if You love a great musical. You want a warm, smart evening & Intimacy and epic-ness all at once. You care for the saga and tales of America.
Don't see it if Do want a simple dull time. You don't love a great musical.
See it if If you like ambitious musicals and like seeing them in an intimate theatre instead of a Broadway size theater
Don't see it if no reason to miss this production
See it if you can get to Brooklyn! It was worth the trip. Really talented cast.
Don't see it if It's a long show. I kept waiting for an intermission that felt like it was never coming.
See it if I love Dance and it enticed me very much. I love the music.
Don't see it if You don't like dancing.
See it if You love complex musical layering, fascinating interweavings in story lines, and an honest depiction of a period of great historical change.
Don't see it if You have difficulty keeping multiple story lines straight or if you're not interested in shows with historical context.
See it if You liked to see how the world once was. It is a powerful show and is a must see.
Don't see it if You are ok with how the world once was
See it if you want to see a great cast full of amazing voices!
Don't see it if you don't want to trek to Brooklyn. Other than that, no real negatives!
See it if You love that era of music
Don't see it if You want current music
See it if You enjoy music from the Ragtime era and appreciate stories that relate to history. Great performance and artistic costumes!
Don't see it if Not interested in history or mat be offended by racial comments. Not a happy story, but difficult period of time.
See it if You enjoy superbly written music.
Don't see it if You like more lighthearted musicals.
See it if You love Broadway musicals
Don't see it if You don't enjoy mostly singing story telling
See it if You love social commentary plays, and gut wrenching plots
Don't see it if If you dont like sad endings
See it if You like shows about history
Don't see it if young children might not underatand
See it if Ragtime music is your thing, you are captivated by love and sorrow.
Don't see it if Ragtime music isn't your thing, you think that a sad happy story is not a good combination.
See it if you enjoy history and the personal stories within it.
Don't see it if you are not interested in history.
See it if You love a lot of music from different eras.
Don't see it if If you don't like to learn something from the show.
See it if you are ready to take an emotional journey in a time that seems far away but still means something today. Also amazing music
Don't see it if you plan to take small children to a show. This is not really a children's show