It was the music of something beginning
An era exploding, a century spinning ...
The people called it Ragtime!
Ok, I am *still* kicking myself that I didn’t see this show when it was playing in Toronto. I just didn’t know then what I know now, I guess. Everyone I’ve talked to who saw this show said it was an unforgettable experience, and I’m sure I would feel the same. When I *finally* got to hear the recording (Thanks, Karen! :-p) I knew it was something special. Of course, I feel that way about nearly every musical I hear, but this one is just a little extra special! :-)
Random Thoughts on the Recording:
The World Premiere Recording: First of all, the cast collected for this recording is an incredible group of talent. Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald, Marin Mazzie, Mark Jacoby, Steven Sutcliffe ... all are just phenomenal in their roles. I particularly have to mention Marin Mazzie’s amazing rendition of “Back To Before” - she makes me cry every time. I’m also partial to “Make Them Hear You”, sung by the fantastic Brian Stokes Mitchell, and “He Wanted to Say” with Steven Sutcliffe (a Canadian!!!). Every song is stirring in one way or another, and I could (and do!) listen to the recording all day long. Simply fantastic.
Random Thoughts on the Show:
Well, since I made this page a couple of years ago, I've seen the show twice - once on Broadway and once on tour (in Ottawa). I have to say that it totally lived up to my expectations, based on the CD. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see any of the amazing performers on the cast recording, but both casts that I saw were very strong and marked by some incredible performances (overall, the tour cast was stronger, I think - the Broadway cast was at the end of its run and it showed in some ways). The show itself and the score are among my favourites in modern musical theatre, and there were parts of the show that didn't work for me on CD (particularly "Your Daddy's Son") which ripped my heart out during the show. I think this is one show that wasn't weakened by the reduced staging that so often happens on tours ... the other elements are so strong that the sets and special effects aren't really that integral. I did miss the Houdini effect on tour, but only because I knew what had happened on Broadway -- I'm not sure people who hadn't seen it before would really have been able to tell. Overall, both productions rank very high on my list of theatrical experiences!
Random Thoughts on the Show:
