'Ragtime' wows Auditorium audience

\"Beggar and millionaire, everyone everywhere was moving to that ragtime." \nThis line from the opening number of the musical "Ragtime" sums up a great deal about the show. Not only does the play follow the lives of three segregated groups at the beginning of the 20th Century, but it also describes the audience reaction to the night's performance. \nFrom college students in blue jeans to older patrons in their best evening wear, everyone at Tuesday night's show felt touched by the performance, as evidenced by the standing ovation the cast received. \nOne could feel the vibration of tapping feet and clapping hands throughout the room, and the sound of excited whispers of appreciation became a buzz as song after song filled the crowded IU Auditorium. \nDespite a few microphone difficulties in the first act, the occasional sour note and a stiff actor or two, the play was a great success. \nThe story of immigrants, minorities and naive, upper-class citizens on the brink of change prior to World War I became an emotional journey with uplifting vocals and potent visual effects. Once they warmed up a bit, the actors brought their struggling characters to life with an unbelievable warmth and vitality.\nSarah, played by Kenita Miller, brought tears to more than a few eyes with her rendition of "Your Daddy's Son." Her rich voice was extremely moving with a grace and maturity that is rightfully associated with only the most prestigious actresses. Her vocal control and range rivaled even the great Audra McDonald, whose voice has enchanted so many in the same role on Broadway. \nSimilarly, the part of Coalhouse Walker was filled with heartfelt emotion and lively enthusiasm by Quentin Darrington, one of the first performers to carry the heavy burden of this tortured character without over-acting to the point of ridiculousness. \nHis voice was sweet and strong, and the greatest tragedy of the play came not when he buried his love, but when his microphone faded to near-silent levels with a snap of static. He saluted the air at the end of his performance. Thankfully, the sound technicians finally managed to bring his gift of music back to the audience. \nNot to be forgotten among the players was Mother, played by Emily Herring. So incredible was her performance, it became easy to forget the other actresses who have played the very same role with less enthusiasm. \nHer solo "Back to Before" ended with a note that not only illustrated the growing sense of empowerment within the character, but the power of the actress's own voice, as well. \nHer appearance during the curtain call nearly caused a riot, as audience members strained to clap even louder and harder than they had already done for the other players.\nThe character of Tateh was less pleasing to behold mostly because of his stiff portrayal of a disillusioned immigrant in the lower East side of New York. More than one sour note managed to escape him in the course of the night, though his fast articulation of "Buffalo Nickel Photoplay, Inc." redeemed him quite a bit. \nThe characters of Mother's Younger Brother and Father were much warmer in this cast than in some others. \nFather managed to evoke some empathy within the audience, and many seasoned "Ragtime" fans were disappointed when Brother's song "He Wanted to Say" was cut in favor of a short narrative by Emma Goldman, played endearingly by Kimberly Chesser. \nOf course, no show ever appears as we expect or remember it. Each new cast, and even each new city, brings with it a new treatment of the story and new potential for change -- both positive and negative. \nThis show was no exception. \nSince the play opened, some visuals have been changed to make touring easier, and a few songs have been altered slightly or left out. Still, despite a storyline that occasionally trails fluff in its wake, "Ragtime" continues to display the power and hopeful optimism that has made it so famous since its debut.