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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Ragtime Also see Gil's review of Broadway Night
Ragtime weaves together the stories of three distinct groups of individuals in America at the turn of the century. Mother and her upper-class family navigate change and self-discovery in the suburbs just north of New York City, Coalhouse Walker Jr. and Sarah face injustice and fight for dignity in Harlem, and Tateh and his daughter pursue a better life as immigrants who have just found their way to America. These intersecting stories are combined with factual characters, including Harry Houdini, Henry Ford, Booker T. Washington, and Emma Goldman, and build toward a larger portrait of a nation grappling with identity, inequality, and hope, all told through a series of deeply personal journeys that resonate on a broader scale. Mark Stoddard's direction is fluid and assured, allowing the concert format, with the orchestra situated upstage, to feel anything but static, with many original touches that bring emotion and connection to the characters and situations so beautifully depicted in Terrence McNally's Tony-winning book. While there are no traditional set pieces beyond some movable stairs, the staging remains visually engaging throughout, with thoughtful blocking and movement and wonderful pops of choreography by Kathleen Brazie. The cast is fully costumed in period appropriate outfits by Cheryl Bender, adding texture and clarity to the storytelling. Even Coalhouse's iconic car makes an appearance. The orchestra under Josh Condon's music direction is a standout, delivering a lush and full sound that underscores every emotional beat, from intimate solos to powerful choral moments in the fantastic Tony-winning score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics). The only technical issues on opening night were several sound problems, including microphones not being turned on when necessary, a few pops, and one brief moment when feedback overpowered the speakers; hopefully those issues have been resolved. The entire cast is fantastic and meet the challenges of this intricate musical, with voices that are both technically impressive and deeply expressive and portrayals that feel fleshed out and authentic. As Coalhouse, Justin Austin is commanding and passionate, bringing both dignity and intensity while capturing the character's pride as well as his heartbreak. Austin has appeared with many opera companies and his training delivers incredible vocals throughout, especially on "Wheels of a Dream" and "Let Them Hear You." Mother is portrayed with warmth and quiet strength by Mamie Parris, who expertly evokes the character's journey toward independence with grace and sincerity. Her vocals are clear and affecting, with a superb delivery of "Back to Before." David R. Gordon is a moving and emotional presence as Tateh. The determination and love Tateh has for his daughter is conveyed with emotional honesty by Gordon in a beautifully grounded performance, and the connection he finds with Parris' Mother is one of the best I've experienced in more than a dozen productions of this musical I've seen. As Sarah, Ta'Nika Gibson is gentle yet resilient, performing her character's songs with a tenderness that makes Sarah's story quite poignant. Jesse Berger brings a sense of rigidity and tradition to Father, skillfully revealing the character's gradual shift in perspective. Sam Primack is appropriately restless and passionate as he searches for meaning as Younger Brother, with an urgency in his portrayal that makes his performance compelling to watch. Renee Koher is fiery and persuasive as Emma Goldman, the radical anarchist. Greyson McClurg delivers one of the best portrayals of the Little Boy I've ever seen, while Charlotte Giffen is wonderful as the Little Girl. Loren Battieste evokes grace as Booker T. Washington, and James Zannelli is appropriately cantankerous as Grandfather. As Evelyn Nesbit, Marina Blue Jarette adds a touch of glamour and wit, and a big dose of self-awareness, while Seth Tucker depicts Harry Houdini with a combination of power and mystery. The large ensemble cast is used effectively throughout with rich harmonies and soaring vocals. Arizona Musicfest and the Herberger Theater Center's concert style production of Ragtime is a stirring and beautifully realized experience. With its exceptional cast, thoughtful staging, and magnificent orchestral sound, it captures the scope and heart of this sweeping, epic, rich musical in a way that feels both grand and deeply personal. Ragtime runs through April 26, 2026, at Arizona Musicfest, Herberger Theater Center, 222 East Monroe St., Phoenix AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.azmusicfest.org or call the Herberger Box Office at 602-254-7399. Music Director / Conductor: Josh Condon Cast:
Mother: Mamie Parris |
