The Company in “Till We Reach That Day”
Photos by Matt McKee
Presented by Fiddlehead Theatre Company in conjunction with The American Civil Liberties Union
Book by Terrence McNally
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
based on the novel Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow
Directed by Meg Fofonoff
Musical Direction by Matthew Stern
Choreography by Anne McAlexander
September 28 – October 7, 2012
The Strand Theatre
543 Columbia Rd, Dorchester, MA
Fiddlehead Theatre Company Facebook Page
The American Civil Liberties Union Facebook Page
Review by Kitty Drexel
(Dorchester) Ragtime is an enormous success for The Strand Theatre and Fiddlehead Theatre Company! Bravo to the entire cast and the artistic staff! Your interpretation of the Flaherty/Ahrens/McNally script and music is spot on. You should be very proud of your performances.
This production has everything that one could ask for in a musical: beautiful period costumes, a gorgeous set, a talented and inspiring cast with voices of spun gold and silver. It is a visually stirring show. The ensemble was well knit and at times moved as one. The leads were excellent, in particular Damian Norfleet (Coalhouse Walker), Shonna Cirone (Mother), Adam Shapiro (Tateh), and Greg Balla (Father). Matt Phillips (Houdini) and McCaela Donovan (Evelyn Nesbitt) were equally as impressive.
Unfortunately, the sound system at The Strand Theatre was not up to snuff. Vocals were often either inaudible or were jarring once the mic was turned up. It was a rare moment when all members of the cast with spoken or sung lines could be heard when cues dictated – a black mark on an otherwise spotless production.
Again, Bravi tutti to the cast! Despite the adversity you faced, you all did a wonderful job!
