The Jan. 7 weekend became available for a school production because the All-County concerts, listed on the calendar for those dates, were changed to Jan. 14 and 15.
The Tony award-winning Broadway musical, which opened in 1998, was based on the book by E.L. Doctorow, published in 1975. The plot revolves around the lives of three American families in the New York area, who struggle with their identities and the social and racial class system at the beginning of the 20th century.
Musical director and orchestra conductor of the production will be Memorial music teacher Kelly Martin.
"We are excited to produce a joint Central/Memorial event that will also provide students with the opportunity to perform on the same stage with professionals from Broadway and regional theatre," said Martin, who has arranged for professional Larry Smiglewski to direct, and for other professional performers to sing the demanding leading roles.
They include TaRea Campbell playing "Sarah," Alexander Elisa as "Coalhouse Walker," Correy West as "Booker T. Washington," Jennifer Harrison as "Mother," Brian Charles Rooney as "Father," Richard Amelius as "Younger Brother," Larry Smiglewski as "Tateh," Jacklyn Kay Baker as "Emma Goldman," Amanda Brizzi as "Evelyn Nesbit," Eric Meron as "Willie Conklin," David Bryant as "J.P. Morgan" and Kristian Korsgaard as "Henry Ford."
This concert version of the production is almost entirely in song, explained Martin.
"Ragtime will also serve as a fundraiser for the fine and performing arts at both schools," said Ms. Martin. "With the $10 admission, we hope to purchase equipment-such as more microphones, sound equipment and special lighting effects for plays and concerts on the Keller Auditorium stage-that will enhance our programs."
The cast includes 37 students from Central and Memorial, as well as Memorial teacher Adam Bjelland in the role of Harry Houdini. Memorial eighth- grader Thomas Riley plays the role of the "Little Boy" and Memorial eighth- grader Shannon McBride is the "Little Girl."
Central and Memorial students in ensemble and other roles include Jennifer Cruz, Marissa Larsen, Angelica Lemos, Jenny Weinbloom, Sana Siraj, Elise Maghacot, Steph Jolin, Yvonne Mansour, Sarah Mikhail, Danny Bholaram, Kevin Serrano, Mike LoRe, Aldean Yasay, Gaetane Ladouceur, Gaelle Ladouceur, Dilim Udedibia, Sheree Campbell, Krystal Hawes, Marell Ellis, Chelsea Grayson, Darcel Jones, Shannique Samuels, Jafet Sori, Randy Ruiz, Darren Glenn, Laura Koenig, Suzanne Siragusa, Anna Michelle Spok, Sarah Weiss, Alyssa Endrich, Crystal Sacaridez, Soteria Kaimis, Josh Rosenzweig, Greg Rositano and Kevin Santamaria.
Tickets are available at the door, or by calling the Memorial music department at (516) 872-7775.
