EAST HADDAM — Goodspeed Musicals' first production of its new season, "Ragtime," a "powerful sweeping saga" depicting the dreams of three American families woven together with ragtime, jazz and show tunes, will run from April 25 to June 15.
The show features a book by Terrence McNally. Music is by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. The musical is based on the novel by E. L. Doctorow.
"Set in the volatile melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York, 'Ragtime' weaves together the stories of three fictional families striving for the American Dream," according to as press release. "As an affluent society woman, an imaginative Jewish immigrant, and an optimistic Harlem pianist navigate a changing world, they confront history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair."
The cast is one of the largest in Goodspeed’s history, according to the theater.
Mother will be played by Mamie Parris (The Goodspeed: "The Mystery of Edwin Drood"). Coalhouse Walker Jr. will be played by Michael Wordly (Off-Broadway: "Spamilton").
Tateh will be played by David R. Gordon. Sarah will be played by Brennyn Lark (Broadway: "Les Misérables").
Father will be played by Edward Watts (The Goodspeed: "The Music Man"). Younger Brother will be played by Behr Marshall. Little Boy will be played by Sawyer Delaney. Little Girl will be played by Sofie Nesanelis (Off-Broadway: "Wedding Band").
The ensemble will feature Jordan Alexander, Shaunice Maudlyn Alexander (Broadway: "Ben Platt: Live at The Palace"), Mia Bergstrom, Tommy Betz (The Goodspeed: "A Christmas Story, The Musical"), Jodi Bluestein (The Goodspeed: "Maggie"), Yophi Adia Bost, Jonathan Cobrda (Houdini), Jalyn Crosby, Joseph Fierberg (The Goodspeed: "Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz)", Mia Gerachis (Evelyn Nesbit) (Broadway: "Sweeney Todd"), Blair Goldberg (Emma Goldman) (Broadway: "Kinky Boots"), Nathan Haltiwanger, Benjamin H. Moore (Booker T. Washington) (Broadway/Off-Broadway: "Harmony"), Jeremiah Valentino Porter, Rory Shirley, Stephen Tewksbury (Grandfather/Conklin) (Broadway: "Sweeney Todd"), and Matt Wall (The Goodspeed: "No, No, Nanette").
Understudies are Henry H. Miller (Off-Broadway: "The Wave") and Xavier Turner. Robin Louise Miller will understudy Little Boy/Little Girl.
The director is Christopher Betts (Yale Rep: "Choir Boy"). Sara Edwards will choreograph the production (Broadway: associate choreographer of "Pirates! The Penzance Musical").
Music direction will be by resident Music Director Adam Souza (The Goodspeed: Over 20 productions, including "Maggie" and "South Pacific").
Curtain times are Wednesday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m. (with select performances at 2 p.m.), Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. (with select performances at 6:30 p.m.).
Tickets are available through the box office by calling 860-873-8668 and online at goodspeed.org.