![]() “We feel the language is accurate and honest in the context of the era, and important to preserve,” Ahrens told. At the time, the president of Music Theatre International, which licenses the show, denied a request to change the script, and “Ragtime” lyricist Lynn Ahrens weighed in with strong words. In 2008, an outdoor performance in an Illinois park was called off after officials grew concerned passersby would hear the racial epithets and not understand the context. “I don’t remember any backlash” from presenting the musical, MacKinnon said, “but we did the work upfront.”īrian Stokes Mitchell and Audra McDonald starred in the original Broadway production of “Ragtime” in 1998. … How will you feel to hear these words in this setting?” and “Is the old saying, ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me’ true?” The guide also suggested discussion topics for adults and younger people, asking them to consider the issues raised by the show through questions such as: “The names for different race groups and immigrants are considered today to be words of derision and hate. … The script uses cruel, contentious and controversial language from 1906.” Luke’s distributed a preshow discussion book, which cautioned: “‘Ragtime’ illustrates heartbreaking issues from immigration and racism to politics and social upheaval. The church’s pastors, one white and one Black, spoke about the historical and educational value in person and in videos shared on the church’s social media. Luke’s United Methodist Church production of “Ragtime.” Robb Ross, foreground, played the leader of a gang of bigots in the 2013 St. “We made some specific, intentional approaches to our congregation about why we were doing it,” he said. Steve MacKinnon, the church’s artistic director, remembers there was a concerted effort to explain the show’s context to potential theatergoers. It presented the show in 2013 against the racially charged backdrop of George Zimmerman’s acquittal in the death of Trayvon Martin in Sanford. ![]() Luke’s United Methodist Church in southwest Orlando. ![]() In the past decade, concert and fully staged productions have been mounted everywhere from the Bay Street Players in Eustis, to the Garden’s production to the University of Central Florida to St. ![]() With its anti-racism and anti-violence message, “Ragtime” remains a popular and well-regarded theatrical offering from amateur, college and professional groups. “We can’t pretend those things didn’t happen, don’t still happen.” Walsh, artistic director at the Garden Theatre, which presented “Ragtime” in 2019. “We cannot sugarcoat history,” said Joseph C. In 2019, the Garden Theatre presented “Ragtime,” which boasts such memorable songs as “Wheels of a Dream,” “Back to Before” and the title song. ![]()
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