Chabot Spectator

Issue date: 4/19/07 Section: The Scene

Media Credit: Photo Courtesy of Rachel Le Pell Actors of the musical play Ragtime perform one of the many beautiful songs that are heard during the course of the play.

Opening night for the play Ragtime was outstanding. The lights went out, and when they came back on the audience were transported to a time and place in history when Ragtime Music ruled.

The first few moments of this play pulls you in with its great acting and excellent music.

Ragtime is an outstanding musical. This is not just another play at Chabot College; it is the same caliber as plays seen in San Francisco major theater. Ragtime is an already outstanding play and musical taken to another level by director Margo Hall.

According to Hall, "Ragtime is about struggles and overcoming obstacles, the issues of the 1900s are the issues of today; they are on the front pages of the newspapers today, immigration is one our dominant issues."

Ragtime tells the story of three groups in America represented by Coalhouse Walker Jr., a Harlem musician, a White Anglo Saxon Protestant family in New Rochelle consisting of a mother, father, and son. Another family is a Jewish immigrant family of Tateh and his young daughter.

In this play Coalhouse Walker Jr. is a Harlem musician representing some of the musicians who have traveled from the Deep South to Harlem. He faces oppression and racism but continues hoping for the best and overcomes obstacles in his path. Though he is discouraged at times he continues in his struggle because of his love for music now known as Ragtime.

Coalhouse is played by Robert Hampton who does an excellent job of representing a Harlem Musician through his acting and whose voice is superb. In addition to him we see the character Booker T. Washington played by Jim Locket.

The actors who stood beside the ones previously mentioned were Mother, played by Cherise Beyelia, Evelyn Nesbit, played by Madison Montoya.

Juan Pablo Rico who plays Tateh, and whose energy is captivating, you can almost guarantee that you will see him perform at the Chabot Theater often after a spirted portrail.

"Little Girl" (which is the name of Tateh's daughter) is a delightful eleven year old played by Taralynn Taala who was also seen in the Christmas play La Posada.

Then of course, there is "Little Boy" played by third grader Grant Lowenstein who almost steals the show.

You will find Ragtime to be an enjoyable night out on the town. There are some moving scenes, so be sure and take your hanky.

You will really enjoy this play. You can see Ragtime at Chabot College with a friend, with family, or fo ra date. The dates for the next showings are April 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. and on April 21 and 22 are at 2 p.m.. and the tickets are $15.

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