The Cast Photo by Diane Sobolewski

Could America, as the early 1900s evolved, become a melting pot for individuals coming from different places, all of whom wish for goodness, stability and, more urgently, survival? Scenic designer Emmie Finckel has created a high archway that frames the actors who tell stories. A movable staircase figures in prominently during a variety of sequences, and the set pieces are delightfully malleable. Stephanie Bahniuk's costumes are period perfect, providing necessary flavoring.

The entire company is rousing with the title tune, "Ragtime," one of the many production numbers which highlight this show. A well-to-do family based in New Rochelle, New York, includes Mother (Mamie Parris), her Younger Brother (Behr Marshall), Father (Edward Watts), Little Boy (Sawyer Delaney), and Grandfather (Stephen Tewksbury). Mother is stationed at home and she wishes to establish her identity while Father takes off for the North Pole because, well, he wants to go there. Mother finds a little baby of color in the garden and she cherishes the child.

Coalhouse Walker Jr. (Michael Wordly) is a Harlem musician and father of the baby, whose mother is Sarah (Brennyn Lark). During the latter portion of the first act, the two performers blend on "Wheels of a Dream," through which they express optimism for the future. Tateh (David R. Gordon) is a Jewish immigrant who arrives in New York with his daughter, known here as The Little Girl (Sofie Nesanelis), and strives to avoid poverty. Emma Goldman (Blair Goldberg) pushes him to join her in the Socialist movement.

The plot spins forward when Tateh and his daughter depart for Boston and happen to meet Mother along the way in New Rochelle. Every so often, Booker T. Washington (Denver Andre Taylor) offers some narrative, which serves to facilitate and clarify the story line. A touch of comedy is most welcome and provided a few times when Evelyn Nesbit (Mia Gerachis) embodies the fetching girl on a swing.

Director Betts and Choreographer Sara Edwards fashion an in-your-face production which, in this case, is all to the good. The performers sing out directly to the audience. The aisles in the orchestra section of Goodspeed are narrow, so when the performers stand there and sing late in the show, theatregoers experience the rush of energy, warmth, and musicality they possess. This is a bonus for patrons.

One feels actor Michael Wordly's passion and force during the second act on "Coalhouse's Soliloquy," "Sarah Brown Eyes," and "Make Them Hear You." Mamie Parris lifts her voice for "Back to Before," a plaintive tune. The Epilogue, featuring the entire cast combining on "Ragtime" and "Wheels of a Dream" is irresistibly pulsating.

Ragtime, ultimately the story of intersecting journeys, is immense in scope. It seems a gargantuan effort is required to mix all of the moving aspects and mount a coherent whole. Most of the cast members could be singled out but, for example, let's focus upon Edward Watts as Father. A seasoned performer, Watts is exact with his performance and utilizes his strong baritone voice several times, one on a solo reprise of "New Music." Behr Marshall, who received training at Connecticut's Hartt School, unites voices with Blair Goldberg, playing Emma Goldman, on "The Night That Goldman Spoke at Union Square." Mamie Parris's performance as Mother evokes strength and zeal throughout nearly three hours of theatre. The same must be said about Michael Wordly's convincing portrayal of Coalhouse Walker Jr. Brennyn Lark, as Sarah, is quite moving.

The Goodspeed production is filled with alacrity, joy, high drama, and, always, ensemble enthusiasm. Adam Souza, conducting the pit orchestra, directs a group of adept musicians to be proactive rather than accompanists.

Ragtime runs through June 15, 2025, at Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main St., East Haddam CT. For tickets and information, please call 860-873-8668 or visit Goodspeed.org.