It is the turn of the 20th Century in New York. An era is exploding. A century is spinning. And the people are moving in rhythm and rhyme to the music of Ragtime. Based on the novel by E.L Doctorow, Ragtime weaves together the story of three groups in America, represented by Coalhouse Walker Jr, a Harlem musician; Mother and her white, middle class family in New Rochelle; and Tateh, a Jewish immigrant who has come to America with his daughter seeking a new life. Their fictional lives become dramatically intertwined with one another as well as with historical figures including Harry Houdini, Booker T. Washington, JP Morgan and Henry Ford.
The last time RAGTIME was presented in London in 2017 and KWPR were the publicists. It was at Charing Cross Theatre, produced by Danielle Tarento, and won a record 12 Offie nominations.
KWPR are also the publicists for a new production this week presented by up and coming stars both on stage and musicians in the pit from the National Youth Music Theatre. It is directed by Hannah Chissick (who directed the UK premiere of the musical Side Show at the Southwark Playhouse).
National Youth Music Theatre represents the very best in work with young people through musical theatre enabling thousands of youngsters across the UK to develop both their creative and personal potential, leading Andrew Lloyd Webber to dub it “the best youth music theatre in the world”.
Award-winning publicist Kevin Wilson says: ‘I have heard the first run-through and it sounds glorious. It is being staged in the beautiful state of the art 2-tier theatre at one of London’s top private schools, The MCT at Alleyn’s, Dulwich.’
Ragtime led the 1998 Tony Awards with 12 nominations, winning 4 including Best Book by Terrence McNally and Best Original Score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.
The MCT at Alleyn’s School, Townley Road, East Dulwich SE22 8SU from 25 – 27 August , 2022. Time: 7.00pm. Admission: £27.54 – £38.32
