Ragtime
by Wonder Theatre (formerly Woodlawn Theatre)
Dec. 12 - Dec. 13 (2022)
Based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow, Ragtime is a compelling epic capturing the American experience at the turn of the 20th century. Tracking three diverse families in pursuit of the American dream in the volatile “melting pot” of turn-of-the-century New York, Ragtime confronts the dialectic contradictions inherent in American reality: experiences of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair. Over the course of the show, the worlds of a wealthy white couple, a Jewish immigrant father and his motherless daughter, and an African American ragtime musician intertwine. Together, they discover the surprising interconnections of the human heart, the limitations of justice and the unsettling consequences when dreams are permanently deferred. This musical sweeps across the diversity of the American experience to create a stirring epic that captures the beats of the American experience: the marches, the cakewalks and - of course, the ragtime.
Auditions
RAGTIME
Auditions: December 12th and 13th, 2022 at 7 pm at Woodlawn Theatre Studio
Dance auditions will start at 7 pm sharp each night; please wear clothing and shoes that are appropriate for movement. Performers need to prepare one song in the style of the show, 32 bars or a verse and chorus. Please bring sheet music; an accompanist will be provided. No tracked music or a cappella singing will be allowed. Please bring a headshot and resume if you have one. Individuals of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to audition. Auditions are only for performers 16 and up and performers 18 and up will receive a small stipend for being in the show. All youth roles (Little Boy and Little Girl) will be chosen from the Woodlawn Academy at a later date. Callbacks will be by invitation only on 12/19.
Performances: March 3rd - 26th, 2023 at Woodlawn Theatre
Showing: Weekends (Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3pm).
Rehearsals: Start 01/16/23 and are usually Sundays through Thursdays in the evenings.
Production Team:
Director - Chris Rodriguez
Choreographer - Rebekah Williams
Musical Director - Josh Pepper
Assistant Director - Jordan Davis
Character Breakdown:
The ages listed below are approximate. Performers should be able to play and appear those ages on stage. Gender is provided as a guide to how the character will be presented on stage.
COALHOUSE - A proud and talented pianist. A Black man who believes that he can take part in the new America and will be treated fairly. Gender: male, Age: 25 to 35, Vocal range top: A4, Vocal range bottom: G2
SARAH - Washwoman. Sarah is a young Black woman, beautiful and filled with a strong will to live, fueled by an innocent spirit. Falls deeply in love with Coalhouse after much resistance. Gender: female, Age: 18 to 25, Vocal range top: F5, Vocal range bottom: G3
MOTHER - The consummate wife and mother. A kind woman with incredible moral fiber. Refined, intelligent, graceful and open minded.Gender: female, Age: 25 to 35, Vocal range top: E5, Vocal range bottom: G3
FATHER - Mother's professionally successful husband. Fancies himself an amateur explorer, he is commanding and attractive. Enjoys being the family breadwinner, a traditionalist. Gender: male, Age: 30 to 45, Vocal range top: F5, Vocal range bottom: A3
YOUNGER BROTHER - Mother's younger brother. He is an erratic and passionate soul, a firework waiting to be lit. Influenced greatly by Goldman's teachings. Gender: male, Age: 20 to 30, Vocal range top: F5, Vocal range bottom: B3
LITTLE BOY - Mother and Father's son. He is open-hearted and curious with inexplicable clairvoyance. Never passes judgment on others. Gender: male, Age: 8 to 12, Vocal range top: D5, Vocal range bottom: E4
This role will be chosen from the Woodlawn Academy at a later date
GRANDFATHER - Mother's patrician father. He is a retired professor, and easily irritated by nearly everything. Gender: male, Age: 50 to 65
TATEH- A Latvian immigrant. He wears the trials and tribulations of his past on his sleeve, but remains optimistic that he will be successful. Full of genuine drive and heart. He lives for his little daughter. Gender: male, Age: 30 to 40, Vocal range top: F5, Vocal range bottom: A3
LITTLE GIRL - Tateh's daughter. A vulnerable child in a brand-new home, she has lost her mother and is guarded and shy. She clings to her father. Gender: female, Age: 7 to 10, Vocal range top: D5, Vocal range bottom: C4
This role will be chosen from the Woodlawn Academy at a later date
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON - Brilliant Black social activist. He is an eloquent and articulate gentleman with no patience for Black Americans leading less than exemplary lives. Gender: male, Age: 45 to 55, Vocal range top: Eb4, Vocal range bottom: D3
EMMA GOLDMAN - Social activist. Originally from Russia, she is a leader, a fearless advocate for the oppressed. Gender: female, Age: 30 to 40, Vocal range top: D5, Vocal range bottom: B3
EVELYN NESBIT - The beautiful vaudeville performer, famous for the murder of her high profile lover by her rich husband. Gender: female, Age: 18 to 25, Vocal range top: D5,Vocal range bottom: B3
HENRY FORD- an American industrialist and founder of the Ford Motor Company. Gender: male, Age: 35 to 45, Vocal range top: F5, Vocal range bottom: D4
HARRY HOUDINI - The famous magician, originally from Hungary. With notable physical ability, he stands as a symbol of the 'American Dream.' Gender: male, Age: 25 to 35, Vocal range top: G5, Vocal range bottom: C4
J.P. MORGAN - The rich, famous financier. Gender: male, Age: 60 to 65
SARAH’S FRIEND - A friend of Sarah's who attends her funeral. Gender: female, Age: 18 to 25, Vocal range top: D5, Vocal range bottom: D3
WILLIE CONKLIN - A racist volunteer fireman who destroys Coalhouse's car. Gender: male, Age: 25 to 40, Vocal range top: F5, Vocal range bottom: D4
ENSEMBLE - Baseball Fans; Coalhouse Supporters; Firemen; Immigrants To America; New Rochelle Citizens; Reporters; Vacationers.
Played by Black actors: Coalhouse's Lawyer, Harlem Citizens, Henson
We are also looking to cast the role of Young Coalhouse Jr. This role appears briefly at the end of the show and has no lines or songs. 4-6yo; Black performer (walk on at end of show.) If you're interested in this role or if you know someone that would be interested, please email Chris@woodlawntheatre.org
