Tickets On Sale Today for RAGTIME at Pasadena Playhouse

Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theater of California, presents Ragtime: The Musical. One of the most ambitious projects ever produced at the Playhouse, Ragtime: The Musical is written by Terrence McNally, and composed by Stephen Flaherty with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. It is directed by David Lee and will be performed Tuesday, February 5 through Sunday, March 3, 2019. Press opening is February 10, 2019 at 5:00pm.

This great American musical returns to Los Angeles for its first major production in 20 years. Nominated for 13 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Ragtime: The Musical tells the story of three families at the turn of the 20th Century in pursuit of the American dream. The award-winning score uses ragtime rhythms to paint a portrait of the people who built this country with the hopes for a brighter tomorrow.

E.L. Doctorow's famous and popular novel became the basis of one of the most revered musicals of the modern age. Ragtime: The Musical begins with an unforgettable sweeping, nine-minute opening number in which all strata of society of the early twentieth century are introduced: immigrant Jews in their ghetto, successful rich Protestants, and African Americans.

The fictional characters - pianist Coalhouse Walker Jr., his child's mother Sarah - who has become part of a respected family headed by the white Father and Mother - and a Latvian immigrant Tateh, are eventually joined by a parade of historic figures -- Evelyn Nesbit, Booker T. Washington, J. P. Morgan, Henry Ford, Stanford White, Admiral Peary, Matthew Henson, Emma Goldman and even Harry Houdini - in this much appreciated and well remembered musical.

As part of the Playhouse's commitment to be accessible to all, tickets for Ragtime: The Musical which are on sale today, start at $25. Tickets are available at pasadenaplayhouse.org, by phone at 626-356-7529, and at the box office at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101.

Director David Lee said, "The themes of the show are more relevant than ever. Set in the first years of the 20th Century, it deals with immigration, racism, white privilege, women's' rights, workers' rights, violence in the name of justice, media's outsize influence on our democracy, inter-sectional politics and even the clash between fact and fiction in reporting our history.

It was written in the last years of the 20th century to remind us that those elements of the earlier American experiment were still being wrestled with, and offer some clarity and hope of survival for our country and its promise.

And now, 20 years later, we are dealing with the same themes. I'm passionate about the piece, not only because I believe it is masterful, but because I don't feel I'm alone in needing clarity and a whiff of hope."

Danny Feldman, Pasadena Playhouse Producing Artistic Director said, "We're thrilled to be producing one of the most ambitious projects in our history. With a cast of 21 and a 16 piece orchestra, Ragtime: The Musical will be a landmark theatrical event for Los Angeles once again."

The original Broadway production opened on January 18, 1998, as the Los Angeles Shubert Theatre was hosting the long-running United States premiere company. Critic David Horluchi said, "Tragic, touching, and ultimately triumphant, Ragtime is an American classic."

ABOUT The Pasadena Playhouse -- The Pasadena Playhouse is a place where people have gathered for 100 years to experience bold and important theater. It is one of the most prolific theaters in American history with a legacy of profound theatrical impact and courageous new work. In 1937, the Playhouse was officially recognized as the State Theater of California for its contribution and commitment to the dramatic arts. Today it continues that tradition of excellence under the helm of producing artistic director Danny Feldman. Dedicated to enriching lives through theater, community programs and learning initiatives, Pasadena Playhouse is a living force in the community.

Performance Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m; Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 5 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets: Prices start at $25
Online -- PasadenaPlayhouse.org
By phone at 626-356-7529
In person -- Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101

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