Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens, Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Marin Mazzie - Ragtime - The Musical (1998 Original Broadway Cast)

The epic sweep of Ragtime is captured in its opening prologue, a nine-minute kaleidoscope of fictional characters mingling with historical figures from the early 20th century as originally captured in E.L. Doctorow's sprawling novel. As the story continues, we meet pianist Coalhouse Walker Jr. (Brian Stokes Mitchell) and his child's mother, Sarah (Audra McDonald), who has been taken in by a respectable family (including Marin Mazzie as Mother). Parallel story lines of the Latvian immigrant Tateh (Peter Friedman), the entertainer Evelyn Nesbit (Lynnette Perry), and even Harry Houdini (Jim Corti) and Emma Goldman (Judy Kaye) eventually mingle and merge. Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Once on This Island) mix marches, cakewalks, and of course ragtime to create a rich, compelling score, including Sarah's song to her baby, "Your Daddy's Son," her soaring duet with Coalhouse, "Wheels of a Dream," Mother's self-revealing "Back to Before," and numerous set pieces, all performed by a perfect cast. Ragtime was nominated for 12 Tony Awards in 1998, with wins for McDonald, original score, book, and orchestration. The CD also includes an eight-minute symphonic suite conducted by Paul Gemignani and a booklet with photos, full lyrics, and a history of how the score was written. Tragic, touching, and ultimately triumphant, Ragtime is an American classic. --David Horiuchi Amazon.com essential recording

Concept Album

"Ragtime" is an excellent musical.
When I purchased this recording on ebay, I was not familiar enough with the show to realize there were both a concept album and an original cast album. Otherwise, I would have opted for the OC; but I am not disappointed in my choice. Interestingly, Amazon appears to be using the same reviews for both recordings.
My familiarity with "Ragtime" was limited to the movie version; so it was a surprise to hear the three stories interwoven, as they are in the musical. The soloists are well fitted to their roles. The chorus work is especially well done.
There is a great deal of variety in the musical styles represented. Because of this, I hear the influences of other sources in some of the songs. DisneyWorld, in "Wheels of a Dream." "Mack & Mabel," in "Buffalo Nickel ..." "Les Miz," in "Make Them Hear You." This is not meant as a criticism, only as a comment.
It is unfortunate that production costs kept "Ragtime" from being profitable. Happily, it lives on to some degree in less extravagant regional productions.
The printed material with the recording includes a plot synopsis, a libretto, and an excellent history of the show written by Marty Bell.
I have not heard the OC recording to make comparisons. But I would recommend either to any fan of Broadway musicals. December 25, 2008

Review of Ragtime

Fantastic Soundtrack. Great music. This music as great as the show was. Highly recommend to all. Thanks July 24, 2008

It was the music of something beginning...

With 38 tracks of Broadway's best songs, this soundtrack is incredible. The show itself is so moving and this cast features some of the best voices I have ever heard. Marin Mazzie as Mother, Audra McDonald as Sarah, and Brian Stokes Mitchell as Coalhouse are my favorites. All of the songs are show-stoppers, but I would name the following as my absolute favorites: "Your Daddy's Son," "New Music," "Wheels of a Dream," "Til We Reach that Day," "Sarah Brown Eyes," and "Make Them Hear You." The booklet of this two-disk soundtrack also features incredible stills and lyrics from the show. February 13, 2008

Moment's of brilliance.

There are parts of this musical that just blow you away. Sure it has it's dry narrative moments too but the vocal heights that it reaches are awe inspiring. February 2, 2008

A CLASSIC MUST-HAVE

From beginning to ending this CD is a non-stop musical journey through the turn of the century. The music is just unforgettable, and the performances are all top-notch. If you love escaping into a world of beautiful musio and a compelling story, this CD cannot be beat. December 1, 2007

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