Ragtime, the Musical
April 17 – 26
Bonstelle Theatre
3424 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Detroit and America’s history comes alive as the Bonstelle Theatre produces one of the largest shows in its 87-year history: “Ragtime, the Musical.” It will run April 17 – 18 and 24 – 25 at 8 p.m. and April 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. The book is by Terrence McNally, the music is by Stephen Flaherty, and the lyrics are by Lynn Ahrens. “Ragtime” is directed by Michael J. Barnes with musical direction by Jeremy Ryan Mossman.

Ragtime, set in the early 20th century, illustrates the changing culture of America. Interwoven with major historic events of the time, three families of different ethnicities tell their stories: an African-American musician trying to find justice, a homemaker who takes in an illegitimate child, and a Jewish immigrant who tries to give a new life to his daughter. The struggle for stability in changing times during the Ragtime era makes this as much about Detroit’s history as America’s.

Detroit was a major manufacturing center in the early part of the 20th century, created mostly by Henry Ford and the automobile industry. Henry Ford appears in Ragtime, explaining his mass production business model — that any man, regardless of race or academic background, can “pull a lever” or “turn a cog.” Ford invited anyone to take a job with his factories for the high salary of $5 a day. This led to a major influx of labor from the south and other areas outside of the Midwest, making Detroit a true melting pot.

Major racial integration was taking place, but not always peacefully. In a 1903 address titled “The Rights and Duties of the Negro,” Booker T. Washington said “that every race or nation that has ever got upon its feet has done so through struggle and persecution; and out of this very resistance to wrong, out of the struggle against odds, they have gained strength.” This excerpt of the speech appears in Ragtime at a crucial moment of the show, when a major act of racism is perpetrated upon a title character. After the Ragtime era, the 1925 Ossian Sweet trial – where the famous lawyer Clarence Darrow successfully defended his African-American client after Sweet moved into a “white” neighborhood – was just one incident where Detroit helped further the civil rights of African-Americans.

During this time, the working class was also advocating for their rights. Ragtime focuses on Emma Goldman, a fiery activist who spoke in Union Square in New York City about workers’ rights. In Detroit, the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) union staged the first major strike for auto workers at the Studebaker-Packard plants in the city.

Ragtime, the Musical explores three different but equally true American dreams: finding racial justice, discovering the land of opportunity, and developing a strong family. These dreams are not only seen in America’s history, but also Detroit’s history. The audience has the ability to make these dreams a part of their city’s and nation’s future, as well.

Warning: Ragtime contains ethnic and racial stereotypes and language that, though indicative of the Ragtime era, may be offensive to modern audiences.

Regular tickets are available for $20, and $15 discounted tickets are available to seniors ages 62+, and Wayne State University faculty, staff, and Alumni Association members. Student rush tickets are available for $10 the night of the performance. Group discounts are also available.

For ticket sales:
Wayne State Theatre Box Office
Tuesday – Saturday from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
4743 Cass Avenue (on the corner of Cass and Hancock)

(313) 577-2960

www.wsushows.com

For more information:
www.bonstelle.com