Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Foothill Alum out in the world: Greg Tittle, Tim Reynolds and more

Broadway by the Bay’s cast of Ragtime features many a Foothill alum.

Gregory Tittle is reprising his role of Father. (And Andrew Sanford is the Little Boy.)
John Musgrave is the Grandfather
Tim Reynolds is playing Tateh.
Kieleil DeLeon is playing Coalhouse.
Linda Piccone is Emma
Gary and Kevin Stanford are in it, as are probably numerous others I'm missing because the cast is HUUUGE.

And my good buddy (but non-Foothill alum) Susan Himes-Powers is playing Mother and will rock the house along with all of the above I'm sure :)

It opens this week. The production dates are September 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, October 01, 2, 7, 8 and 9. The show is at 8:00 pm every night except for Sundays when the show is at 2:00 pm. There is one Saturday matinee performance on October 1 in addition to the evening performance on that date. Ticket prices range from $15 to $33. The box office number is 650.597.5568.

I going to see the closing performance on the 9th, so the subsequent review won't be much of a marketing tool for the show, but with a cast like the one they've got I'm sure the production will be great.

Comments:
I believe that Ragtime, is one of the greatest musicals ever written for the American stage. It captures the essence of America during the early part of the last century, by telling the story of three separate but intertwined social classes. The score is breathtaking, the book is wonderful, and it’s epic scale is never overwhelming or boring. Broadway by the Bay, has succeeded in creating a heartfelt if somewhat flawed production. At times, on opening night, I found myself completely taken in by the story and the lives of the characters despite a few rough spots in the production. I'm not going to talk about the rough spots because I wouldn't want the performers to feel bad. Call my wimpy, but I'm not a professional reviewer and I could never be.

There are two reasons that you must see this show: Tim Reynolds in the role of Tateh, and Susan Himes Powers in the role of Mother. Reynolds' portrayal of Tateh captures the love he has for his young daughter (Carly Cozad) and his overwhelming need to create a decent life for her in America. His voice is pure and powerful and his physicalization of the part is extraordinary. Ms. Powers brings a subtle, deep rendition of Mother to the stage that will resonate with you for hours after you leave the theatre. Reynolds and Powers together, particularly when they sing the touching duet, Our Children, are enchanting.

Gregory Tittle gives a solid, intelligent performance as Father. His voice is wonderful and his portrayal of Father is layered and stoic. Nicholas Kealy as Mother’s Younger Brother is at times sniveling and adolescent which is a valid interpretation of the part.


John Musgrave had some very funny moments in his portrayal of Grandfather.


Go see this show. Despite some of my misgivings, the whole cast has so much conviction that you can help but get carried away into the era of Ragtime.

Ragtime, the musical with the book written by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty is based on the 1975 novel Ragtime by E. L. Doctorow. Ragtime comes alive on stage at San Mateo's Broadway by the Bay through October 9th.
 
Wow! Thanks for the really complete review Anonymous :)
 
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