Ragtime is the epic musical by Terrence McNally (book), with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens (based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow). It weaves together stories of a Jewish immigrant, a Harlem pianist, an upper-class white woman, and historical figures — all pursuing the American Dream amidst societal change, prejudice, and hope.

In a short run ending this weekend at the gorgeous El Portal Theatre — presented by Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi Valley — a gigantic bare-bones production of Ragtime lands somewhere between a staged concert, community theatre, and a full-blown production. And what a trade-off: instead of elaborate spectacle, we get more than 50 performers filling the stage with glorious sound. Some are very good; a handful are so spectacular I’d drive across town just to hear them again.

Chief among them is Samantha Craton as Mother—her radiant performance feels Broadway-ready, and Alex Mohajer’s Tateh has depth, warmth, and matinee-idol presence. Roland Mills’s Coalhouse Walker Jr. impresses with a distinctive, emotional voice that cuts deeper than the normal baritone bombast, while Natalie Chavez’s Sarah sings with exquisite clarity and heart. And Rebecca Angel is a fierce Emma Goldman.

Under the direction of David Ralphe, the large cast never overwhelms; his focus keeps the story coherent. Music director Gary Poirot leads an 11-piece orchestra that works its valves and keys off, capturing much of the sweep of the original orchestrations. Costumes by Jan Glasband evoke the turn-of-the-century era beautifully, and the El Portal is the perfect size—majestic enough for grandeur, intimate enough for emotion to land. The nearly three-hour runtime flies by.

This production reminds us that America has always been about cultures intertwining—sometimes in conflict, sometimes in harmony—and that power, pain, and beauty live in those intersections. Whether you’ve never seen Ragtime or know it well, this staging is a stirring reminder of what the show can be.

Ragtime
El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood
ends on September 21, 2025
for tickets, visit El Portal Theatre