We fittingly conclude our interviews from the press preview of Ragtime with director Marcia Milgrom Dodge. Just as producer Roy Furman told us that the Broadway production came into being only because of the Kennedy Center production,
Marcia tells Joel that she got her first attention as a choreographer in 1989 when Doug Wager hired her for On The Town at Arena Stage.
Twenty years later, she’s helming the revival of Ragtime, and getting ready for its official opening November 15th at the Neil Simon Theatre. Why did she want to direct the show? “Because it’s Ragtime! It’s the greatest musical of our lifetime.” It also gave Marcia a chance to return to the Eisenhower Theatre where she had already directed Sullivan and Gilbert and Tell Me on a Sunday (with Alice Ripley).”
“Lynn and Stephen and Terrence asked me to do to Ragtime what I did to (their show) Seussical, which was to “find a way to tell the story that was it easier and simpler”. What she found was that, “These are human people struggling against ferocious obstacles, and I didn’t want them to be obliterated by anything else (special effects, etc.)”.
Marcia tells Joel about “rising star” Stephanie Umoh, exciting news about the costumes for the Broadway production, the restaging of “Crime of the Century” and why it was so important to her to keep as many of the DC company as possible.
[display_podcast]
Ragtime begins previews on October 23rd at the Neil Simon Theatre, 250 West 52nd Street in New York City. Opening night is November 15th. To purchase tickets, click here.
Related:
Here’s the official Ragtime video from the press preview.
Saw Ragtime last night [Thursday, November 12, 2009] and we were both blown away by its power, the talent of an incredible cast, and the way in which the story unfolds. We saw a previous production many years ago, and this one is just so special. The superlatives will flow as will the Tonys, but suffice it to say that if you were viewing this production with the intent to find something, anything wrong with it, you’d simply be out of luck. Having seen many, many great Broadway musical productions over the years, we think that this one ranks right up there. Don’t miss it! And if the President and first lady haven’t seen it, they surely should. No, they must!
Wonderful interview with Marcia Milgrom Dodge! She really exudes a wonderful enthusiasm and love for Ragtime. I saw the first preview and was more than dazzled by the production. So much heart. Looking forward to opening night!
thanks, joel. a great interview, if i say so myself.
our opening night is fast approaching!
think lovely thoughts for us!
xox
–mmd