Book by: Terrence McNally Music by: Stephen Flaherty Lyrics by: Lynn Ahrens Based on the book “Ragtime� by E.L. Doctorow Direction Robert-Eric West Music Director Aimee Radics Artistic Director & Choreographer Tamara Drew Costume Design Liz Wilson Set Design & Technical Director James Ogden Lighting Design Will Dean Assistant Director & Props Designer Sandra Leander Hair & Make Up Design Robert-Eric West Production Manager Natasha Blanchette Producer & Executive Director Aaron Shapiro There will be one 10 minute Intermission Studio BE 1
PROGR A M ACT I Prologue: Ragtime.......................................................................................................... The Company Scene 1: Dock in New York Harbor/ at Sea Goodbye, My Love.............................................................................................................Mother Journey On.................................................................................................Father, Tateh, Mother Scene 2: A vaudeville theatre, New York City The Crime of the Century...................................................................................Evelyn Nesbit, Younger Brother, Ensemble Scene 3: Mother’s garden, New Rochelle What Kind of Woman.......................................................................................................Mother Scene 4: Ellis Island, Lower East Side A Shtetl Iz Amereke............................................................ Tateh, the Little Girl, Ensemble Success................................................................................................................Tateh, J.P. Morgan, Harry Houdini, Ensemble Scene 5: The Tempo Club, Harlem/Ford’s assembly line Gettin’ Ready to Rag.............................................................................Coalhouse, Ensemble Henry Ford........................................................................Henry Ford, Coalhouse, Ensemble Scene 6: Railroad station, New Rochelle Nothing Like the City.......................................................................................... Tateh, Mother, The Little Boy, The Little Girl Scene 7: Emerald Isle Firehouse Scene 8: Mother’s House, New Rochelle Your Daddy’s Son.................................................................................................................. Sarah New Music.............................................................................Father, Mother, Younger Brother, Coalhouse, Sarah, Ensemble Scene 9: A Hillside The Wheels of a Dream................................................................................ Coalhouse, Sarah Scene 10: A union hall in New York City/ Lawrence, Massachusetts/ A train The Night That Goldman Spoke at Union Square.................................................................................Younger Brother, Emma, Ensemble Gliding....................................................................................................................................... Tateh Scene 11: New Rochelle and New York City Justice..........................................................................................................Coalhouse, Ensemble President................................................................................................................................... Sarah Till We Reach That Day..................................................................Sarah’s Friend, Coalhouse, Emma, Younger Brother, Mother, Tateh, Ensemble ACT II
INTERMISSION 10 Minutes
Entr’acte...................................................................................................................................................Orchestra Scene 1: The Streets of New Rochelle/ Mother’s House Coalhouse’s Soliloquy.........................................................................................................Coalhouse Coalhouse Demands..................................................................................................... The Company Scene 2: Mother’s House Atlantic City...........................................................................Evelyn Nesbit, Harry Houdini, Father New Music (Reprise)..................................................................................................................... Father Scene 3: Atlantic City Atlantic City, Part II......................................................Evelyn Nesbit, Harry Houdini, Ensemble Buffalo Nickel Photoplay, Inc.............................................................................Baron Ashkenazy Our Children.............................................................................................. Mother, Baron Ashkenazy Scene 4: Harlem/ Coalhouse’s hideout Sarah Brown Eyes..................................................................................................... Coalhouse, Sarah He Wanted to Say.........................................................................................Emma, Younger Brother, Coalhouse, Coalhouse’s Gang Scene 5: the beach, Atlantic City Back to Before............................................................................................................................... Mother Scene 6: The Morgan Library, New York City Look What You’ve Done.........................................................Booker T. Washington, Coalhouse, Coalhouse’s Gang Epilogue: Ragtime/ The Wheels of a Dream (Reprise)............................................... The Company Studio BE 3
D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E On June 21st, 2010 I was given one of the most daunting tasks a director could undertake: Reconceptualizing the epic musical “Ragtime”! A beautiful dramatization of the lives and loves of the inhabitants of the world of 1906,“Ragtime” spans 26 locations and traditionally uses a cast of 50 or more! The task of taking such a grand and epic musical and making it smaller and more intimate without diluting its scope was quite a challenge. This show is quite a realistic portrait of the time, language, bigotries and hatred tempering the elegant visuals, a show about growth and change! Our small, but talent packed cast has come up to the challenge with their usual heart and energy. This summer we have added even more layers to our already complex process by adding several new elements! The addition of a live orchestra has created new challenges for our learners, and performing here at the old “theatre building” has taught them innumerable new skills and adaptability! A huge “BRAVO!” goes out to the amazing team that has created this historic world in such a new and unique fashion in a way that could only happen at Studio-Be! I thank Tamara and Aaron for allowing me to direct such a unique experience and Liz, Sandra and Aimee for endearing such trust that I only have to wear one hat this summer! Sit back, relax and enjoy, be prepared to laugh and cry and see what a couple dozen amazing kids can do in ten weeks! -Robert-Eric West
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CAST BIOGR APHIES Charlotte Adams (Kathleen) Charlotte is 16 and will be a junior in Von Steuben High School in the fall. She loves theater, photography and friends. Leo Allen III (Henson) returns to Studio BE after last appearing on our stage as Benny in Rent. Leo is a hardworking actor, student, dancer, singer and fashion designer born and raised on the south-side of Chicago. Leo will be entering his senior year at Mather High School this fall. Previous theatre credits include The world premiere and Jeff Award recommended First Words with MPAACT Theater Company, Queertopia: the Anti-Violence Project with About Face Theater, 13, The Wiz, Oklahoma, Annie, High School: For Dummies, This Joint is Jumpin’, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Makin’ it, Why Does Darkness Seems So Light, High School Musical, Babes In Arms, Eyes Haven’t Seen and many more. Leo would like to offer these words of advice “a lot of hard work takes you a long way.” Emily Beckert (Immigrant ensemble) is thirteen years old and attends Newberry School. This is her first production with Studio BE. Maya Blackstone (Brigit) Maya is excited to make her Studio-Be debut in Ragtime. She currently attends University of Chicago Lab School where she has been in a number of plays. China Brickey (Sarah) this will be China’s 4th show with Studio BE. She’s full of crazy anticipation for the shows to come and feels proud to be in a show with such talented people. This fall she’ll be attending Mather High school as a senior. Other shows that China has been apart of include, Sweeney Todd (Mrs. Lovett), 6 Studio BE
Midsummer’s Night Dream (Wall), and A Chorus Line (Cassie). Here at Studio Be she has played Joanne in RENT: School Edition, Tybalt in Romeo And Juliet and will be playing Sarah in Ragtime and is stoked. Time Brickey (Booker T. Washington, Henry Ford) has been in theatre for almost a year now, and has no plans to stop. He has been credited in Jason and the Argonauts (Zeus), RENT (Benny), Romeo & Juliet (Benvolio), and A Chorus Line (Don). He is also well known as the all-knowing Sylvia’s Grandson. Sipriano Cahue (Father) This is Sipriano’s first real production that he has been apart of. His past experience includes four years of advanced choir and was in School House Rock Jr. This year he will be a senior at Thomas Kelly High School and he plans on being part of both productions which will be To Kill a Mocking Bird and Fame. Marissa Cameron (Courtroom Clerk) I go to the Chicago Academy for the Arts in the writing department. It’s so great to have a place to come and do other things I love over the summer! The instructors are amazing and I loved making fliers for them. Studio BE fuels so much talent. Drew A. Hennebry (Coalhouse Walker Jr.) is making his theatrical debut here at Studio BE, which is fitting since both he and Studio BE are his mother’s babies....So Drew and Studio BE are actually siblings....Wo. A four year veteran of being alive, Drew is an avid animal lover and apple juice connoisseur. Drewbie, as he is lovingly called by his cast, would like to thank his best friend and Studio BE mascot, Charlie the dog, his daddy, his Ian, and all of his fellow cast members for the hilarious games of park bench and beanie baby catch. His mommy loves him and is VERY proud of him:)
C A S T B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Raymond Goodall (Coalhouse’s Gang) is Fifteen years old. He has enjoyed musicals since middle school. Raymond’s first musical was in seventh grade when he did Guys and Dolls. He is currently at an arts school where his major is musical theater. During the first week of August, Raymond was able to work with many Broadway pros during a summer intensive in New York. Milana (Mia) Guadagno (White family/ immigrant ensemble) Mia says. “Hi, I’m Mia!” Mia lives in Boise, Idaho but she’s in Chicago during the summer. She absolutely loves theatre and is super excited for the show! Wes Klein Houston (Coalhouse Walker, Jr.) Wes will be attending American Music + Dramatic Academy as a freshman this fall. Dance Captain Kristin Kattner (Houdini’s Mother) Kristin will be a senior at St. Benedict High School. Her previous Studio- BE shows include RENT School Edition and Romeo and Juliet. Kristin says, “I love being on stage and I’m excited for the show!” Peter ‘Petre’ Kattner III (Tateh) “I have done numerous shows at St. Benedict as well as Studio BE. I have a love and passion for theatre and plan on continuing it as a career.” Peter will be attending Columbia College this fall as a freshman. Richard tells everyone to break a leg.
Harper Leander (Mother) Harper is completely ecstatic to be playing mother in Ragtime at Studio-BE, her home away from home. Harper’s past performances include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena), The Wiz (Evilene)”, Chicago (Annie), Footloose (Rusty), RENT School Edition (Maureen), Romeo and Juliet (Friar Lawerence), and many more. She is going to be a sophomore, as a musical theatre major at Chicago High school for the Arts otherwise known as Chiarts. She wants to continue musical theatre as a Professional career. Harper would like to ask, “Has anyone noticed that all the shows Studio BE has done this first year have all started with an ‘r’?” Mary Maloney (Emma Goldman) Mary has been acting since the age of seven. Her past shows include, Cinderella, South Pacific, A Christmas Carol, Bye Bye Birdie, The Wiz, RENT: School Edition, and Romeo And Juliet. Mary is SO excited to have landed her first lead! Lindsay McKirnan (Coalhouse’s Gang/Newsboy) Lindsay attends New Barry Elementary, loves pets, and ever since she’s arrived at Studio BE she’s loved it. Kiah McKirnan (Sarah’s friend) Kiah is thirteen years old and attends Frances Xavier Warde school going into eighth grade. This is her first production with Studio BE. Colin Monahan (Willie Conklin/Admiral Peary) Colin has been in many plays and musicals since grade school, and this is his third production with Studio BE. Colin would like to say, “I’m well aware of my height and it’s not necessary to inform me with comments like,’ wow you’re really tall.”’ Studio BE 7
C A S T B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Adelise Morquecho (Immigrant ensemble) Adelise says,” I love dolphins, I’m a freak over them believe it. I’m super dope in the show.” Madison Pullman (Evelyn Nesbit) Madison is a 12 year old soon-to-be 7th grader at Taft Academic Center. Her past shows include Romeo and Juliet (Prince/ stilt walker)”, RENT School Edition (Alexi Darling and Roger’s Mother), Footloose (Urleen), BIG (featured dancer), The Music Man (Marian Paroo/ Mariart the Librarian) Jason & the Argonauts (stilt walker), Pinocchio (Pinocchio), and many others! Madison enjoys musical theatre, along with playing tennis and Piano. Madison enjoys spectacle and can walk on stilts, climb silks, and stage combat. Madison would like to thank her parents and friends for supporting her passion. Thanks to Mr. West, Ms. Aimee, and Ms. Tamara for the technique training. She looks forward to all the experiences that are coming her way and hopes to be on Broadway! Dagny Tracey (White family/immigrant ensemble) Dagny Tracy attends Whitney Young Magnet High School and will be making her Studio BE debut with Ragtime. Gilbert Roman (Houdini) has been performing since he was in second grade. He was introduced into the drama world on accident, but has stayed in it because of a deep awakened passion for it. “I enjoy most of all being able to walk on stage, as if through a portal, and become a completely different person in a new world.” Gilbert’s favorite roles include the mason in Working and Mark in Rent.
Veronica Villanueva (Immigrant Ensemble) Veronica lives in Chicago and loves to dance. She’s very excited for opening night. She’s always has loved performing and hopes you enjoy the show! Brandon Waller (Grandfather) is thirteen years old and attends Sacred Heart School. This is his first production with Studio BE. Ian Waller (Little Boy) is twelve years old and attends Sacred Heart School. This is his first production with Studio BE. Emma Tracy (Little Girl) is 11 years old and happy to be apart of her first production with Studio BE. She is going into the 7th grade at Waters Elementary. Michael Waller (Younger Brother) is fifteen years old and attends Sacred Heart School. This is his first production with Studio BE. Julian Renteria (Fireman) This is Julian’s first time working with Studio BE. He is very excited to participate in this musical. In the past he has been apart of Ourtown (Paperboy) and Grease (Danny). Julian has also worked with Goodman Theater Company over the summer as well. He is very excited about Ragtime, one of his favorite musicals.
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ORCHESTR A Conductor/ Piano.....................................................................................................Aimee Radics Keyboard............................................................................................................Nathan Urdangen Keyboard 2.............................................................................................................Mindy Sherman Auxiliary Percussion, Keyboards...................................................................... Nicky Cameron Trumpet 1..............................................................................................................Kenny Rudzinski Trumpet.......................................................................................................................... Owen Cook Trombone....................................................................................................Anthony DeFrancisco Flute/Piccolo..............................................................................................................Ashley Vicens Flute......................................................................................................................Victoria Gonzalez Clarinet.......................................................................................................................... Robert Yaple Violin 1......................................................................................................................Allyson Ketcher Violin 2................................................................................................................Matthew Schumm Cello...............................................................................................................................Alden Shoup Electric bass..................................................................................................................Cara Klazura Upright bass....................................................................................................................Iman Jarad Drums/Percussion....................................................................................................... Jesse Nolan
PIT SINGERS Ana Maria Lovric.................................................................................................................Soprano Tamara Drew................................................................................................................................ Alto Martin Dorsey........................................................................................................................... Tenor
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S T U D I O B E S TA F F Robert-Eric West (Director) Mr. West is a graduate of Butler University with a BA in musical theatre including concentrations in vocal performance and pedagogy as well costume, hair and make-up design. He began his career at the age of six as a member of a youth theatre studying with the acclaimed children’s theatre director and author Nora MacAlvay, returning later in life as the company’s artistic director. Robert-Eric spent 13 years as a vocal coach and musical theatre history instructor at Indiana University where he also founded the Monroe County Children’s Theatre. This is his directorial debut with Studio BE and possibly one of his most amazing experiences as a director to date! He has spent more than 40 years in the industry and directed more musicals than he can remember, but this one will not easily be forgotten. This amazing cast and crew will always hold a special place in his memory! Studio BE has changed many lives, Mr. West’s included! A heartfelt thank you goes out to the parents of our learners for raising such great kids…and letting them BE themselves! Aimee Radics (Music Director) is excited to be a part of “Ragtime,” her third production with Studio BE. She previously worked on “RENT” as co-music director and “Romeo & Juliet” with house management. In addition to music directing at Studio BE and throughout the Chicagoland area, she also teaches private voice and piano. Favorite music direction credits include “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,”“Urinetown: The Musical,”“tick...tick...BOOM!” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” She is thrilled to be introducing an orchestra to BE audiences with this production, and is very proud of all the work accomplished by our learners this summer. Tamara Drew (Artistic Director/Choreographer) is thrilled to have worked on such a great show with such a fabulous team of creators. Ragtime is the first show Ms. Tamara is working on with her son, Drew Hennebry, and would like to dedicate this performance to him. Just as he was her inspiration to open Studio BE with Aaron Shapiro,
Drew continues to be Ms. Tamara’s inspiration, motivation, and reason for needing to affect the world. She would like to thank her Ian, her mother, and her sister, Talissa, for their unending love and support, and every member of the Studio BE community. She loves her life:) Liz Wilson (Costume Designer) is happy to be working with Studio BE again on Ragtime. She previously worked on Rent and Romeo & Juliet. Other design credits include Noises Off, Yours for the Asking and Dancing at Lughnasa. Wardrobe credits include The Music Man, Les Miserables and Ragtime. She has also worked with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, The House Theatre of Chicago, and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. James Ogden (Scenic Designer/ Technical Director) has been a freelance scenic designer since senior year of college. Some favorite shows include Enemy of the People with Red Tape Theatre, Syringa Tree with Barksdale Theatre in Richmond Virginia, for which he won first place in the undergraduate scenic design competition at SETC, and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill at Sycamoure Rouge in Petersburg, Va. He has also done a number of paint, carpentry and welding jobs all across the country. He is very much looking forward to continue working and training in the theatre field, and going to graduate school for scenic design. Katie Minix (Assistant Set designer) has been working at Studio BE since October 2009, and she has enjoyed her time here very much. Katie graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a BA in theater. In addition to working at Studio BE, Katie also has an administrative internship at Stage Left Theater as well as working other various jobs. A few of her past credits include RENT (Studio BE), Romeo and Juliet (Studio BE) and Lonesome West (Loyola Studio). Katie would like to thank all of the students and staff at Studio BE for being wonderful hard workers as we share our passion for the arts with the community. Studio BE 11
S T U D I O B E S TA F F ( c o n t .) Will Dean (Lighting Designer) is super excited to be designing for Studio BE’s Ragtime. Will has been working as a freelance lighting technician and lighting designer for the past two years. He attends Columbia College Chicago part time working on his BA in Lighting Design emphasizing in technical theatre. Will would like to thank his family and friends for supporting him in his efforts to be a self sufficient theatre designer/ technician. Sandra Leander (Assistant Director & Props Designer) is proud to be making her Studio BE debut as assistant director and props designer of Ragtime. Mrs. Leander considers her highest achievement her role as “mother” to Wyatt and Harper. Natasha Blanchette (Production Manager) is very excited to be doing another show at Studio BE! Natasha graduated from Wright State University with a BFA in Design/ Technology. Natasha has previously worked at American Theater Company, PCPA, and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Natasha’s past credits include Stage Managing “RENT“ and “Romeo and Juliet“ (Studio Be) and Technical Directing “RENT“, “Smokey Joe’s Café“, and “Urinetown: The Musical“. Natasha would like to say thanks to everyone involved in this production for helping to make everything come together so wonderfully!
Aaron Shapiro (Executive Director/ Production Manager) is so proud of this production of Ragtime. Aaron has worked in the Chicago theater community since graduating Barat College of DePaul in 2004 as an Artistic Director, Director, Designer, Production Manager, Stage Manager, Master Electrician, Sound Op, Carpenter, for nearly 20 different Chicago based theater companies. His goal is to keep making theater he wants to see.
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M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T Studio BE is an ambitious, non-profit, performing-arts training and development facility available to the public. Our in-house programs and classes are designed to be high-energy, transformative experiences all culminating in a series of final performance opportunities. By connecting imagination with both discipline and integrity, we open doors for both excellence and self discovery that transcend the classroom. Our commitment to proper technique, discipline, and individual attention cultivates an environment that will foster creativity, self esteem, ambition, and ultimately excellence in the performing arts. Incorporated in February of 2009, Studio BE, NFP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We recently opened the doors to our brand new 3000 square foot performing arts venue. Founded by company directors Aaron Shapiro (Executive Director) and Tamara Drew (Artistic Director of Youth Programming) our facility was designed for versatility. Located conveniently by the Belmont El stop, Studio BE is able to both accommodate our extensive Youth Programming and function as a 99 seat storefront theater. At its inception, the founders of Studio BE shared some basic goals: • To provide a quality product while cultivating integrity, expression, and success in the performing arts. Arts education is precisely like other ventures in its need for efficiency of management, fiscal accountability, stringent planning, the ‘manufacture’ of a quality product, and financial growth. Our blend of business, education, and creation is totally absolutely the only of its kind. Sweet. • To be a reliable resource for families who strive to succeed in all avenues of life. Studio BE’s greatest asset is the quality of our product for the price we offer. For less than the average cost of a babysitter, Studio BE offers a curriculum that will positively affect the quality of life for your child. The enthusiastic and educated instructors employed by Studio BE all possess hands-on experience working with children and the drive to fulfill our mission. Students will recognize that they are a part of something greater than them and are encouraged to grow. Everyone will have a chance to see the results at performances and showcases throughout the year! • Our in-house youth programs and classes are all designed to be highenergy, transformative experiences culminating into a series of final performance opportunities. Our commitment to proper technique, discipline, and individual attention cultivates an environment that fosters creativity, self esteem, ambition, self discovery and excellence. • To be accessible. We understand in great depth the needs and concerns of parents. For this reason, the scheduling of our programs is designed from the onset to correlate with school calendars, both public and private, and to be convenient for parental schedules. Also, our location is near a large residential area, public transportation, and a public parking lot, for your transportation convenience. • Our satellite programming is focused on connecting your organization with one of our Chicago-based professional instructors. Whether you are looking to create an after-school dance troupe, produce a play, or a movement workshop for seniors, Studio BE can provide the solution for your administrative and staffing needs.
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J U S T A T H O U G H T F R O M A R T I S T I C D I R E C TO R TA M A R A D R E W Learning is taking place all around us, all the time. Every social exchange- every single observation has the ability to create growth within us. If we really tune in, we are almost always learning something about ourselves and the world around us; and evolution occurs. We evolve as individuals, partnerships, communities-even as a biological species. RAGTIME is an entertaining and invigorating nugget of proof of our evolution as a society. The purpose of our theatre is first and foremostto teach-to perpetuate learning and growth. This summer the cast of RAGTIME learned about America in 1906. They learned about classes and races. They had a lesson about racial slurs-all of them. They learned about love, separation, degradation, and growth. They learned about Emma Goldman, Booker T. Washington, and the birth of modern industry. Moreover, they learned about each other, they learned about themselves, and they learned some pretty impressive skills. Everything we do is a testament to who we are; you, me, our magnificent learners! Enjoy the show~ SPECIAL THANKS The House Theatre, Dr. Jan Hart, Ruslan Trusewych, Sandra Leander, The Chisholms, The Pullmans, Bri Dean, Chelsea Meyers & Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Rosemary & John McDonnell, Our Neighbors in the 3110 Sheffield Building, Jeremy Shapiro, Jay Shapiro, Jason Geis, Ian Gatton, Bryan Wave, Alex Useted, Taylor Bibat, Sarah Fornace, Kenny Metroff, Aaron Elsworth, Cat Dean, Paige Keedy, Justin Argenio, American Theatre Company, Strawdog Theatre Company, Bennett Lawson in Ald. Tunney’s Office, Cynthia and the Staff at Genacelli Salon, Light Opera Works, Katie Minix, Natasha Blanchette, Liz Wilson, Mike Smith, Aimee Radics, pH Productions, Chicago Spotlight, Patrick Tracy, Joann Saxon, Armani Cosmetics, & Friends and Family of Studio BE Staff, Cast, and crew… who have supported us in numerous ways throughout this project.
*Studio BE is seeking active members for our Board of Directors. If this sounds like you… BE in touch with a Studio BE Staff Member! *Studio BE is a 501©(3) charity. Your donations are not only tax deductable… but are also vital to our continued success!ı
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