The Roar of The Crowd In Rhinebeck

The response of the audience to the Prologue of “Ragtime” at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck was a clear indication of what was about to happen over the ensuing three hours.  They didn’t clap politely.  They cheered.

And, with good reason.  Kevin Archambault has wrestled a monster of an American musical, aided by a uniformly talented cast and strong musical support from musical directors Paul and Joanne Schubert into a thoroughly enjoyable entertainment.  As both director and choreographer, Archambault has clearly garnered the trust of his sprawling cast and they perform with passion, conviction and an enthusiasm that engulfs the audience.

“Ragtime” is based on the 1975 historical novel by E.L. Doctorow, adapted for the stage with a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.  It was recognized with several Tony Awards, but based on the scope of the production, closed its Broadway run and a subsequent revival for financial reasons.  This is a big show.

With an ingenious three– story set designed by Andy Weintraub and clever prop constructions of a see-through piano, rolling staircases that double as passing ships and a skeletal Model T Ford, Diana di Grandi’s production is made to fit in the Center’s acting area and still showcase the flowing choreography that allows 44 people to be on stage, to sing lustily and move with easy synchronization.

“Ragtime” is set in the early years of the 20th century, when America was coming of age in tumultuous times.  Three competing groups intersect with both tragic and triumphant results.  As “Mother,” Amy LeBlanc commands the stage as doyenne of an upper class white family who is able to bring a shattered African-American girl (Elizabeth Thomas, electric as “Sarah”) and her newborn child into her home and relate with sensitivity to the plight of a struggling immigrant (Andy Crispell as “Tateh”).  LeBlanc’s elegant performance matched with her clear, strong voice carries the evening.

As “Coalhouse Walker,” a ragtime piano player, lover of Sarah and father of their child, Jovan Bradley is magnetic with his clear strong voice, his untamed rage in the face of injustice and his capacity to show both tenderness and stubbornness.

Crispell’s performance as a struggling East European immigrant who claws his way by cunning and tenacity to realize his American Dream is inspiring in his representation of hope through numbing adversity.

Jared Drucker as “Younger Brother,” David Foster as “Father,” Jane Langan as “Little Girl” and James McTague as “Edgar” all richly deserved the applause that greeted them as they took the stage for their curtain calls.  In fact, the entire ensemble and group of featured players could savor the standing ovation that greeted them as the evening ended in resolute triumph.

In his novel, Doctorow chose to weave together historic figures with fictional characters to create the narrative backdrop and focus on the relevance of the message to the times.  Maria Coppola as Evelyn Nesbit, who was famous for being infamous, is vibrant as any latter-day internet celebrity would be.  Ryan Dutcher’s sometimes inverted performance as illusionist Harry Houdini is compelling and marks the moment when the sparkling enthusiasm for the new century is overshadowed by the clouds of war.  Mark Colvson as Booker T. Washington adds a real elegance to the proceedings, just as Alex Heinen’s portrayal of activist Emma Goldman sets the stage for deep social unrest.

Rhinebeck is likely not “just around the bend” for many readers, but, as one might glibly say, “the juice is worth the squeeze.”  This is a production not to be missed.   There is no question that there is an abundance of community theater in the region.  Rarely, however, do those productions rise to this level of accomplishment.  “Ragtime” is all of that … and more.  A day later, the audience may still be cheering.

“Ragtime” is playing through March 18 at The Center For Performing Arts, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY, 845-876-3080, www.centerforperformingarts.org