NASHVILLE, TN — After an 18-month pandemic shutdown, Nashville Repertory Theatre returns to the stage of TPAC’s Polk Theatre in November with the Tony Award winning musical Ragtime.
Ragtime weaves together both fictional characters and real historical figures to tell the story of America at the turn of the 20th century. At the center of the musical is Coalhouse Walker, Jr., a Harlem pianist, and his lover Sarah. After Coalhouse’s car is vandalized by the town’s bigots, he begins a search for justice and encounters a system that seems stacked against him at every turn.
“Ragtime is a show that explores equity in American society,” said Micah-Shane Brewer, the director of the production. “Although the story is set over 100 years ago, the challenges are the same ones we see today: racial equality, immigrant rights, gender equality, and so much more.”
Nashville Rep’s production of Ragtime is largest show they have has in 20 years. Ragtime features a cast of 35 actors led by some of Nashville’s most recognizable theatrical faces: Megan Murphy Chambers as Mother, Bakari King as Booker T. Washington, and Garris Wimmer as the immigrant Tateh. 22 members of the cast are making their Nashville Rep debuts including Justn Marriel Boyd playing Coalhouse Walker, Jr., and Shelby Denice Smith as Sarah.
The sizable cast will be accompanied by an orchestra of 15 musicians, led by musical director and conductor Dave Ragland. Ragtime features a score influenced by many different American musical styles, including gospel, jazz, and, of course, ragtime.
The choreography is by Tosha Marie Pendergrast, who is also hosting the company’s rehearsals in her new dance studio TMProductions.
Ragtime will be performed November 11-14 at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center for only 5 performances! Tickets and more information are available at nashvillerep.org or by calling 615-782-4040.
