Delvin Choice Will Play The Iconic Role Of Coalhouse Walker, Jr. In GLT's Production Of Ragtime

Greenville Little Theatre (GLT) will bring an epic piece of musical theatre to the stage with their upcoming production of Ragtime. This Tony award winning musical features some of the Upstate's most vocally talented performers; including Meg Foster, Jessica Eckenrod, Luke Browder, John Kilpatrick, Khristin Stephens, and features Greenville's own Delvin Choice in what might be his last local performance before pursuing his dreams of Broadway.

Ragtime chronicles the lives of three distinct groups in 20th century America: African Americans, upper-class suburbanites, and Eastern European immigrants. Many of the characters cross paths with historical figures, including Harry Houdini, Henry Ford, and Booker T. Washington in this vibrant story of the shaping of America. "The audience can expect a lot of things: great music, costumes, and sets, but they can also expect the truth" says Choice. "This is a 20th century story that is still relevant today in 2018. Many of the issues you will see onstage are just as prevalent now as they were in 1906. This is one of the reasons I decided to do this show."

Choice received his education at the Fine Arts Center where he studied classical music in hopes of pursuing a career in opera. The late Michael Rice took note of his stage presence and began adding musical theatre pieces into his repertoire. Various connections in the community brought his name to the attention of Allen and Suzanne McCalla, Executive Directors of GLT, and at 17 years old, he was cast in Ain't Misbehavin', a hall of fame show and the first ever all black cast at Greenville Little Theatre.

Delvin Choice received national fame in 2014 on NBC's The Voice where he became a fan favorite and finished the season as a top 8 finalist. It was again, at Greenville Little Theatre, that this opportunity revealed itself. He credits GLT choreographer Kim Ferreira for the courage to audition. "We were in rehearsals for Smokey Joe's Cafe and she would mention that I should audition for this show, or that show. They would come and go and I wouldn't audition" Choice recalls. "She brought up The Voice one day and said if I didn't go, she would drag me there herself. So I went to the house, drew up the paperwork and sent it in. If it weren't for her belief in me, having the persistence and seeing something in me, I wouldn't have ever auditioned for The Voice."

About being back on-stage locally, Choice says, "This is one of the most talented groups of individuals I have had the opportunity to work with. Greenville is blessed with the most beautiful and genuine people. Not just the actors but everyone! Being on stage and working on this role allows me to grow with other actors in my community as well as expand and broaden my horizons as a singer and actor, and as a person." Choice adds "I dedicate this performance to the late Michael Rice, my parents and grandmother and lastly Allen and Suzanne McCalla."

Ragtime is directed by Suzanne McCalla and Sam McCalla. Show dates are March 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 at 8pm and 11, 18, 25 at 3pm. Tickets are $35.

For more information, please call the Box Office at 864-233-6238 or visit our website at www.greenvillelittletheatre.org.

Greenville Little Theatre Box Office is located at 444 College Street on Heritage Green and is open Monday through Friday from 10 am - 5 pm.

About Greenville Little Theatre: Greenville Little Theatre, founded in 1926, is the Upstate's oldest and largest locally-producing arts organization. The 571-seat Charles E. Daniel Theatre is located on Heritage Green at 444 College Street, Greenville, SC 29601. Best known for their mainstage season, GLT also produces two holiday productions and presents 2 concert performances. GLT on Tour, the theatre's educational outreach program, performs at elementary schools throughout the Southeast.