[NEohioPAL] Smashing production of "Ragtime"--amateur review

[Hester Lewellen]

Mercury SummerStock opened "Ragtime" last night and it was terrific!  The cast is very strong, the mini-orchestra sounded great, the set was simple but appropriate.  Director Pierre Brault, who says he has never seen a production  of the show (I've seen three different productions), has staged it with his usual creativity, using a clever chair choreography--with no collisions!  The audience was still standing and applauding long after the cast had left the stage.  You need to go see this.  It runs for 3 weekends, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30 and two Sunday matinees.  Final performance is Saturday July 20.

If you don't know the show, it's set in 1906 and brings together the white establishment, the influx of immigrants, and the black struggle for recognition.  The songs are very moving.  It would be hard to single out any of the leading performers because all were dynamite.  A very strong ensemble included MSS favorites Kelvette Beacham, Dan DiCello (Willie Conklin), Brian Marshall (Houdini), plus Sara Masterson as Evelyn Nesbit and Julie Myers-Pruchenski as Emma Goldman.  Kudos!  Musical director Eddie Carney never missed a beat with the ragtime score.

Prices are reasonable.  Parking is free.  Location is Regina Auditorium at Notre Dame on Green Road in South Euclid (between Mayfield and Cedar).  Box office: 216-771-5862.  Tickets can be ordered on line: www.mercurysummerstock.com.

Confession: I am a friend of the company, but this is no insider review.  I was truly overwhelmed.
Hester Lewellen