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Local Looks: Strong cast propels powerful musical ‘Ragtime’ at The Ruth

By Molly McCoy - Special to the Daily Herald | Jan 22, 2025
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The "Ragtime" Harlem cast featuring Yahosh Bonner as Coalhouse Walker Jr. and Brittany Andam as Sarah Brown.
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Taylor Morris as Tateh and Hailey Burnham as Little Girl.
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Taylor Morris as Tateh, Amy Shreeve Keeler as Mother and David Morley-Walker as Father.

The brand-new Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater in Pleasant Grove is kicking off its new season with a production of “Ragtime.” The musical is based on a novel by E.L. Doctorow and shares a powerful message of equality, family and hope. It weaves together themes of race, class, immigration and the American dream, creating an unforgettable night at the theater.

Set in the early 1900s, the musical follows the stories of three families in New York City: the struggling Jewish immigrant Tateh, African American pianist Coalhouse Walker Jr. and the privileged family of Mother. Each family experiences the social and political changes of that time, and each embarks on their own path to finding justice, freedom and fulfillment in their lives. My favorite aspect of the evening was how big yet intimate the theater felt. While the theater has a large capacity, the audience still felt close and engaged in the show.

The cast was very impressive. After the first number of the night, titled “Ragtime,” I caught myself mouthing the word “wow” after hearing the ensemble sing. The amazement didn’t end after the first song. Each cast member brought a lot of talent and skill to the stage, and I hope to see them in more productions throughout the valley. I honestly had never seen or heard of the musical “Ragtime” until it was announced as one of the productions.

I was very impressed with the score of the musical. The music in the production had a way of pulling the audience into the show. With a mix of lively jazzy songs as well as deep and stirring songs, there is something for everyone in “Ragtime.”

While everyone in the production did a great job, the leading roles stole the show. I went to a show on Friday, so Coalhouse Walker Jr. was played by Kiirt Banks, who performs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. His portrayal was perfect. Banks has a way of portraying the emotions of a character in such a believable way that you almost find yourself experiencing the same ones. Apart from that, his voice was truly spectacular and filled with emotion. Every time he came on stage, I was excited because of how well he played his part.

Amy Shreeve Keeler, who plays Mother on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, was just as convincing in her role. She conveyed duty and yearning better than anyone I have ever watched before. She had a great impact on the audience as she struggled through her own experiences with the injustices around her and the duty she had to face. The small but mighty moments of her evolution were made all the more impactful in the close quarters of “The Ruth.”

This review would not be complete without mentioning Tateh, played by Taylor Morris on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Tateh is an immigrant who came to America in search of a better life. His story was the one that resonated with me most. Throughout the production, I felt for him, as all he wanted to do was create a better life for his child. His determination to be a better father was heartwarming and powerful.

“Ragtime” at The Ruth in Pleasant Grove was a wonderful choice to kick off the 2025 season of theater. It was an emotional, stirring and ultimately unforgettable experience. The cast’s stunning performances, the intricate and beautiful score, and the timeless themes of the show combined to create a piece of theater that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant musical, “Ragtime” is an absolute must-see. It’s a show that challenges, moves and uplifts. And in the new Ruth theater, it becomes an experience you’ll never forget.