JulienRouleau as Edgar, the son, has a great stage presence as he begins the story as narrator. Steve Post as Father plays the part of the head of the household well as he comes to realize that times have changed in a way that he has trouble comprehending. Anne Gonzalez as Mother has a beautiful voice and acting talent as she asserts her independence in a time before women could vote. The director, Steve Bortolotti, has assembled an amazing cast of actors and singers who bring this story to life. Added to the mixture is the story of Tateh and his daughter, recent Jewish immigrants from Latvia who also eventually become part of the family. One Sunday his car is destroyed by prejudiced firemen, an action which leads to riots and retribution. The father of the baby, Coalhouse Walker comes every Sunday to propose to Sarah, the mother of the baby. As the opening song says, “There were no Negroes, and there were no immigrants.” But all of this changes as Mother discovers an abandoned African American baby in the garden and takes it in along with its mother. The show revolves around a typical American family of some wealth living in New Rochelle, New York who are oblivious to people unlike themselves. It is an entertaining show filled with wonderful songs, great acting and singing, and beautiful sets and costumes. ![]() This is not to say however that the play is merely a political statement, for it is not. Although the play takes place at the turn of the last century, it deals with issues still relevant today-immigration, racism, and the economics of inequality. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer, not those of Peoria Public Radio or the Live Theatre League.Īs the French proverb says, “The more things change, the more they stay the same,” certainly applies to the musical Ragtime currently playing at Peoria Players. Stan Strickler has this review for the Live Theatre League of Peoria. While the show takes place in the early 1900’s, many of the complex social issues raised in the production…still resonate today. ![]() Peoria Players Theatre kicks off their 96th season of shows with the powerful musical "Ragtime".
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