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Schools

Musical 'Ragtime' Opens Friday at Kent State Theatre

Director Eric van Baars warns patrons that moving tale may prompt tears.

’s School of Theatre and Dance, in conjunction with the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music, will present the musical Ragtime Feb. 17-26 in E. Turner Stump Theatre at the Music and Speech Building.

The show, under the direction of Eric van Baars, is based on a 1975 novel written by E.L. Doctorow. This concert version follows the original story with the addition of a scaled-down orchestra.

Ragtime is an epic tale of three families struggling to protect the ones they love. The music packs an emotional punch,” van Baars said. “Bring tissues – it will be the best cry you’ll ever have!”

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Ragtime is a story about life during Progressive-era America at the beginning of the 20th century. The show illustrates the issues of the time – from immigration, racism and politics to industrialization and social chaos – through the intermingling of characters and familiar historical figures.

Harry Houdini, Booker T. Washington and Henry Ford connect with the story’s characters in unpredictable settings to add an unusual literary component.

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“Just as in Doctorow’s compelling novel, the historical figures ground the characters in the reality of the times. More importantly, the historical figures provide inspiration and spiritual guidance for the characters,” van Baars said.

Eric van Baars is an associate professor in the School of Theatre and Dance, where he teaches movement and acting. He has directed productions of Oklahoma, The Diviners, Lysistrata, On The Verge, Honk!, The Wild Party and A New Brain.

He also serves as assistant artistic director of Porthouse Theatre where he has directed Pump Boys and Dinettes and Dames at Sea and choreography for Once On This Island, Big River, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and The Fantasticks. He is a member of Actors Equity Association and the Society of Directors and Choreographers.

Show times are 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 17-26. Tickets are $8 for students, $12 for seniors (60+), $14 for faculty, staff and Alumni Association members, and $16 or adults. Groups of 10 or more are $7 per person.

The box office is open weekdays from noon to 5 p.m. and one hour prior to each performance. For tickets or more information call 330-672-2497 or visit www.theatre.kent.edu. The box office accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, checks and cash.

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