Review: City Springs Theatre’s ambitious ‘Ragtime’ has rich payoff

In Sandy Springs, there is a mammoth of a musical playing. Billed as City Springs Theatre’s “most ambitious production ever,” the hype around Ragtime has proven to be more than mere marketing language.

The Tony Award-winning score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens calls for a large ensemble and numerous featured characters with their own musical numbers. Its often operatic sound leans more Rodgers and Hammerstein than contemporary Broadway, with 38 challenging songs. 

Based on E.L. Doctorow’s novel of the same name, Ragtime’s heavy subject matter is quite a pivot from the theater’s typical fare of Disney and nostalgia. But judging from the audience’s responses and instant standing ovation at the curtain call, there is an appetite for such depth.

The turn of the century musical, written on the eve of the millennium and set at the dawn of the 1900s, depicts three corners of New England society, each with its own figureheads, everymen and social tensions. There are the upper class white residents of New Rochelle, the Black residents of Harlem and the Eastern and Western European immigrants fresh off the boat. Thus, every performer’s looks are a key part of their character. 

A tableau-like opening sequence introduces each group and foreshadows the coming discomfort in store as they attempt to co-mingle. It also introduces the many historical figures who will factor into the show, making this opener perhaps the only place you will hear Harry Houdini, Henry Ford and Booker T. Washington mentioned in the same breath.

Terrence McNally’s Tony award-winning book is historical fiction in the truest sense of the word, detailing the good and bad of the turn of the century melting pot. Offensive language evokes satisfying gasps from the audience, allowing bad guys to come across as pure evil in a way they couldn’t if they were more politically correct, and, by the same token, magnifying every act that breaks social norms of the time.

As Coalhouse Walker Jr., Jonathan Christopher oozes boyish charisma and navigates the character’s darker twists and turns with an arresting presence. His robust pipes envelop every note, giving a masterclass on how to play the role. The hymn-like “Make Them Hear You” is worth the price of admission.

Atlanta resident Kristine Reese’s captivating performance gives “Mother” a graceful confidence, juggling unwavering tenderness with an irresistible zeal, all wrapped up in a gorgeous voice. She lands the climactic “Back to Before” with astonishing power.

Kyla Bolling’s bio mentions “Sarah” is a dream role, and her passionate performance indicates as much. Her crystal-clear voice soars with ease over each song, which is no small feat.

The entire company, from the ensemble to the many main and featured characters — too many to name here — are played with spot-on performances. Corey Bryant delivers a surprising standout turn as Younger Brother. His every moment holds an endearing vibrancy, and he executes the challenging score with gusto.

Santo Loguasto’s Tony award-nominated costume designs from the original Broadway production of Ragtime, on loan to City Springs Theatre, are unsurprisingly a feast for the eyes. Every color, silhouette and movement speaks volumes, naturally distinguishing each social caste from the others.

Jacob Olson’s scenic and lighting designs create a perfect setting for the grand scale and heavy themes. The set’s dual level with large staircases is both elaborate and versatile, creating easily believable boats, attics and grandstands. A shadow curtain is utilized to a particularly innovative effect. 

The many designers’ strong choices are brilliantly tied together by Director-choreographer Todd L. Underwood. His smooth choreography is tailored to each of the three ensembles, to masterful effect. From the raucous “Gettin’ Ready Rag” to pensive “Sarah Brown Eyes,” Underwood has crafted a thoughtful production, with every painstaking detail serving the story. 

Ragtime is as marvelous as it is ambitious. And it pays off in spades.

Where & When

Ragtime the Musical continues through March 30 at City Springs. Tickets start at $65. The Byers Theatre is located at 1 Galambos Way in Sandy Springs.

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Sally Fuller is a theater nerd and performing arts journalist with a passion for telling people’s stories. Her work has appeared in BroadwayWorld.com, Encore Atlanta, City Lifestyle Magazine, Statesboro Herald and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. When not writing, she works at her dream job as a mother.