Ragtime

April 25/12 – Ragtime – Nothing can outdo the incredible 1997 Drabinsky/Livent version of this Stephen Flaherty/Lynn Ahrens musical with such talents as Brian Stokes Mitchell, Marin Mazzie and Audra McDonald, with production design by Eugene Lee, costumes by Santo Loquasto, sound by Jonathan Deans, and lighting by Jules Fisher/Peggy Eisenhauer and the great book by Terrence McNally, but this Shaw version sure gives it a run for the money. Thom Allison pulls out all the stops as Coalhouse Walker, and Kate Hennig as Emma Goldman, Patty Jamieson as Mother, Alana Hibbert as Sarah, and Jay Turvey as Tateh are not far behind, as directed by Jackie Maxwell. What a joy for the audience, and an immediate standing ovation for the entire cast. It is always a joy for me to see this great musical experience. To me, this is the best production of the Shaw Festival, along with Mack and Mabel, and The Apple Cart with Zoe Caldwell of many years back.

Love Never Dies

April 11/12 – Love Never Dies – the troubled sequel to Phantom of the Opera which was filmed on stage in Australia, is a glorious production. Many of the songs are new or updated lyrics by Ben Elton (The Beautiful Game), and work well, especially Love Never Dies, which is very hummable.The ending which is wrapped up somewhat coyly, could have been better, but otherwise the plot moves along well. The sets and costumes are magnificent and the one and one-half hours go by very quickly. Ben Lewis is a great phantom, and Anna O'Byrne is a wonderful Christine. I was surprised that the originals, Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess were not used in the filming. I was so pleased to have the chance to see this version as I do not expect another version anytime soon.