Ragtime BIO:
Ragtime is a sweeping Broadway musical based on E.L. Doctorow's 1975 historical novel of the same name. With music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and book by Terrence McNally, the show depicts three parallel stories set in turn-of-the-20th-century New York: a wealthy white family from New Rochelle, a Black ragtime musician named Coalhouse Walker Jr., and a Jewish immigrant named Tateh. The show is celebrated for its rich orchestrations, powerful themes of race, class, and immigration, and iconic songs.
Previously performed at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois, Ragtime has garnered significant acclaim for its elaborate stage production and emotional depth. The musical features notable songs such as "Wheels of a Dream," "Make Them Hear You," and "Goodbye, My Love." The production has received numerous accolades, including 4 Tony Awards in 1998 for Best Musical Score, Best Book, Best Orchestrations, and Best Scenic Design.
Fans have praised the performance for its engaging storytelling and powerful musical numbers. The last performance at the Rialto Square Theatre took place on February 7, 2017, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
Venue and Seating Information:
The Rialto Square Theatre is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. Fans often highlight the venue's intimate atmosphere that enhances the overall experience of attending a musical or play. Many attendees appreciate the acoustics of the theatre, which allows for an immersive sound experience during performances.
Regarding seating arrangements, patrons have expressed that the best sections are typically located in the center orchestra area. These seats provide an unobstructed view of the stage and are favored for their proximity to the performers. Conversely, some fans have noted that seats located further back in the balcony can detract from the overall experience due to distance from the stage.
Parking Information:
Parking options near the Rialto Square Theatre are varied, with several choices available to attendees. Fans frequently mention the following parking options:
- Rialto Square Parking Garage - 102 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432 - $10
- Joliet City Hall Parking Lot - 150 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60432 - Free after 5 PM
- Street Parking - Available on surrounding streets but limited to two hours
The Rialto Square Parking Garage is often regarded as the best option due to its proximity to the venue and reasonable pricing. However, some fans advise avoiding street parking during peak event times due to strict enforcement of parking regulations.
```Ragtime Chicago reviews
Sam Smith is amazing live
Ragtime was the main attraction and never let our attention go. The overall sound quality was good but there was a lot of reverb and delay, making the vocals a little hard to hear, in exchange for volume. Thousands of people bustled into the gates and we were courteously directed to our appointed seats. His vocal acrobatics captivated song after song and he interchanged between slow songs and upbeat dance songs.
George Ezra, the opening act, was really good, but lacked the charisma and chemistry that Ragtime had. His performance was amazing from start to finish. Albeit that's good for a huge stadium/arena, it took away from a lot of the intimacy that Ragtime provided. The main attraction obviously was Ragtime. He rarely engaged the audience, he was very vague when he went into his stories and his bandmates were like robots. They didn't hype up the crowd and I was falling asleep. It was really an emotional rollercoaster. I'm very glad that Ragtime is doing well in the US and hope to see more of him!