We’re heading back to the turn of the 20th century in New York city as we take on the behemoth that is Ahrens and Flaherty’s ‘Ragtime.’ Back with a vengeance, the boys have six months of pent up discussion under their collective belts. This time they are talking about whether an epic production needs an epic design, pull apart what makes this show challenging to perform and discuss the importance of musical theatre existing outside of the ‘Broadway bubble.’
Ragtime: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
SHOW NOTES
If you want to try your very first ‘special froth’ then grab your own Cremola Foam (replica) today!
It doesn’t happen often, but when it does my goodness is it tricky! Here’s some more information about the costume nomination debacle of the 2009 revival of Ragtime.
For our bookworms out there, you can grab E.L. Doctorow’s original book here to fill in the blanks in this epic tale!
With ‘The Producers’ we know that there are often some shenanigans going on behind the scenes of even the biggest Broadway shows. Here’s some information on Ragtime’s producer, Garth Drabinsky.
E.L. Doctorow was very involved in the production of this musical and cites it as one of the finest recreations of his work. Here’s an article discussing his involvement.
Doctorow was less impressed with James Cagney’s star turn as the police chief in the Ragtime film. But if you’re intrigued, here it is! Be warned, there’s no singing!
The Regent’s Park Revival was polarising at best. Have a look at the trailer and let us know what you think on Twitter!
In a complete contrast to the gaudy sets of the Regent’s Park production, the Ellis Island concert production shone a whole new light on the piece in the shadow of Lady Liberty herself.
And straddling the two is the production Jimi first saw of Ragtime, from the Landor theatre. Here is a glimpse of its scaled down production!
What do you think listeners? Is Ragtime a show for the small stage or the big? Come and chat up a storm on Reddit!
If you’re a Ragtime aficionado, check out the 1996 recordings here for a whole new spin on the piece!
A HIGH-FLYING QUIZ QUESTION
In what show does Patti LuPone do her best “Elphaba” impression and “fly” at the end of Act 1?