Ragtime the Musical in Fort Wayne A Talk with Albert Brownlee

By Tabitha Ervin
FWIS Editorial Director

Set in the early 1900’s Ragtime tells the story of three groups in the United States: African Americans, represented by Coalhouse Walker Jr., a Harlem musician; upper-class suburbanites, represented by Mother, the matriarch of a white upper-class family in New Rochelle, New York; and Eastern European immigrants, represented by Tateh, a Jewish immigrant from Latvia. Social and racial conflicts rise to the surface as the lives of these characters become intertwined. Ultimately, a changing world requires each group to adapt to a new way of life. Inspired by actual events, the stories of Booker T. Washington, Harry Houdini, J. P. Morgan, Henry Ford, Evelyn Nesbit, and Emma Goldman help bring to life this historical fiction where audiences are able to imagine a larger commentary on early American culture. While America looks much different than it did in 1906, the themes of Ragtime — immigration, racial barriers, capitalism, and women finding their voice — are still present today. Book by Terrence McNally, Music by Stephen Flaherty, and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Based on the novel “RAGTIME” by E.L. Doctorow. Ragtime is presented with special arrangements from Music Theatre International (MTI). This production is presented by Genesis Outreach, Inc. with sponsorship from: Indiana Musical Theatre Foundation, Russ Koehlinger Foundation, and the University of Saint Francis.

The Tony Award winning Musical, Ragtime, will do its first community-wide theater production in Fort Wayne to benefit Genesis Outreach celebrating 35 years serving in the Greater Fort Wayne community and Northeast Indiana region. Almost annually, since 2016, Genesis produces a theatrical performance and they like to do that to create awareness about their organization but also social issues and community wide issues that clients and community face members. They have been very thoughtful on not just putting a show together but productions that have significance and are moving to all who see them.

The social issues at that time ironically mirror issues going on today like women's rights, immigrant relations and challenges between black and white people.

The director, Leslie Beauchamp told the cast this will show us how far we’ve come as a nation but also how far we have to go.

The musical deals with these themes throughout with a diverse cast separated into the three groups of immigrants, black people and high society families in New Rochelle.

It is fictional, but the original author of the book interwove historical figures into his story and the same in the movie then musical produced years later. Those such as Booker T. Washington, Emma Goldman, Henry Ford, and J.P. Morgan. It is a wonderful theatrical story and it's a performer's dream show, says Albert Brownlee. “We have fallen in love with the story and the beautiful music. We are performing with a full local orchestra which is an amazing experience and many don’t get that opportunity especially here in Fort Wayne”.

The show will take place at the 1800 seat Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center, February 9-18 which is a historical location in Fort Wayne. The show features a very large cast of 54 actors and you don’t want to miss this dynamic performance.

The story serves as a tool for community conversations on race, immigrant rights, women in the workplace and closes showing what can happen when we all come together. The overwhelming theme is love and by the end of the show love comes in to heal.

It is an amazing theatrical piece and Genesis was intentional to do it during Black history month because this is a piece of Black history which falls into a time that is one generation removed from slavery.

We also noted in our talk that the Color Purple is also happening during this time and each show is cross-advertising each other.

Let's all support these events in our community during the month of February!

Please purchase tickets online at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/79534

There is also a Masquerade Ball, the evening of opening night show, February 9 following the show with actors and families attending. That information can be found on Eventbrite under Genesis Outreach Masquerade Ball & Gala.

To learn more about Genesis Outreach check out their website here: Home - Genesis Outreach