To conclude its inaugural season in Watertown, New Rep presents the biggest show in its 21-year history. "Ragtime," directed by Rick Lombardo with music direction by Todd C. Gordon and choreography by Kelli Edwards, will run through May 21. Weaving together fictional characters with historical figures, "Ragtime," by composer-and-lyricist team Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, with a book by Terrence McNally, is based on E.L. Doctorow's landmark novel. In turn-of-the-century New York, the lives of a white family, a black family, and an impoverished immigrant family simultaneously intersect. As the boundaries of their narrowly-defined worlds crumble, passions of all kind collide. Belmont resident Sophie Rich plays "Little Girl." A ninth-grader, her professional credits include "The Rose Tattoo" (Huntington Theatre), "Gypsy" (Publick Theatre), and "Sara Crewe" (Wheelock Family Theatre). The production features a cast of 33, an eight-piece orchestra, and a scenic design of epic proportions (including a car onstage). Performance times: Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. (and 2 p.m. on selected Wednesdays); Thursdays 7:30 p.m.; Fridays 8 p.m.; Saturdays 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays 2 p.m., followed by talk-back (and 7:30 p.m. on selected Sundays). Tickets: $35 to $53 depending on date, time and seat location. Senior, student and group discounts are available, as well as student rush. New Repertory Theatre is in residence at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. There is a free, six-level parking garage across the street. For more information or to buy tickets, contact the box office at 617-923-8487 or buy online at www.newrep.org. The production is sponsored by Sovereign Bank, with additional support from the Newton Cultural Council. |