There is probably no better time to present Ragtime – The Musical than in these days of immigration controversies and cultural collisions. Set in the melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York City, Ragtime tells three uniquely American tales – those of the matriarch of a white upper-class family, a determined Eastern European Jewish immigrant, and a daring young Harlem musician. All are united by their courage, compassion, and belief in the promise of the future and the power of the human spirit.
For over 30 years, American Stage has presented an outdoor performance so everyone can enjoy a professional theater experience. “Ragtime was chosen because it explores the current fabric of America and questions how we think as a community,” says Erica Sutherlin, associate artistic producer. “It asks us: ‘Have we actually come far from our beginning? How far have we traveled? Are we still traveling?’ ” With a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California, Sutherlin spent many years writing and directing in film and television before joining American Stage as director of community engagement. She is excited to welcome 22 actors, more than half of whom are from the local area. Many will play between three and six different characters throughout the show.
To add to the largest production ever produced by American Stage, there will be a nine-piece live orchestra directed by Latoya McCormick from the music department of Tarpon Springs High School.
Elaborate Sets and Costumes Enhance the Show
With more than 300 costume changes throughout the production, the designs serve as a bold, visual representation of the characters’ communities. No matter where you are sitting, you will easily be able to identify the group to which a character belongs.
Sets designed by Teresa Williams include a deconstructed Statue of Liberty with the back walls displaying beautiful photos of immigrants. “We wanted the set to be so big that it envelops the actors so they feel small,” Sutherlin says. “The American dream looms over us for the entire show and appears to ask, ‘Is the dream still the same or did it change? If it changed, what has it become?’ ”
Performances for All
In order to welcome those who might not be able to afford a professional theater production, two preview performances will be offered on April 12 and 13 for $25 per person for general-admission blanket and chair seats or “pay what you can” at the gate. Tickets for subsequent performances start at $25 per person for general admission, $35 for premium blanket, and $45 for reserved chairs. Many people decide to make it an even more special evening by planning picnics complete with candelabra, fancy tableware, and food from home or from concession stands at the site. (Alcohol is not permitted to be brought into the park but can be purchased there.) Demens Landing opens at 5:30 p.m. daily for the performances that start at 7:30 p.m.
An opening-night Gala Under the Stars is planned for April 14 as the theater’s major fundraiser of the year, where attendees can don parasols and bowler hats and participate in a spirited live auction. Pets will be welcome on April 30 for Pets in the Park Night.
“Our annual park show is one of the most impactful services that we offer the city of St. Pete and the Tampa Bay area,” says Helen Murray, producing artistic director. “Our audiences get a chance to take in a large-scale musical and enjoy it in a public park. We look forward to welcoming audiences from far and wide as they grab their picnic blankets or a couple of chairs, enjoy some tasty treats, and watch great theater under the stars.”
Ragtime runs from April 12 through May 14. Pre-order tickets at AmericanStage.org or call (727) 823-7529. Demens Landing Park is at First Avenue SE and Bayshore Drive.
