A main attribute of Elon University’s Performing Arts Department that has made it one of the nation’s top 15 theater programs is the performing arts students’ storytelling talent. These young adults are commonly striving for a dream in a country deeply rooted in great aspirations.
“Ragtime,” which will run in Elon’s McCrary Theater through Nov. 2, tells the story of the United States at the turn of the twentieth century, when America, characterized as the land of opportunity, was beginning to come to terms with severe social inequality and an unbalanced economic structure.
Based on the novel by E. L. Doctorow, “Ragtime” centers on select members of three diverse social classes, as their lives become miraculously intertwined.
Directing the show had been a personal dream of Catherine McNeela, the show’s director and a performing arts professor, for many years.
“It had always been on my bucket list, as well of that our choreographer, Lynne Formato,” McNeela said. “But it wasn’t until this year that we finally had the diversity to do it.”
Despite this diversity of students within the performing arts programs, “Ragtime” still demands a variety of ages within its cast. Because the children of Ragtime are such principal characters, McNeela and assistant director, senior Keith Hale worried that college students would not be effective in suspending the disbelief of the audience and consequently began to audition children within the local community.
McLaurin Hull, 9, of Greensboro, N.C., was selected to play the part known simply as The Little Girl. Hull has been involved with several community and professional productions and recognized a unique chance to work with Elon students and faculty.
“I was so excited,” McLaurin said. “My favorite part was meeting new people and having this great opportunity. I learned a lot, and it was so much fun working with Cathy and everybody at Elon.”
Additionally, Performing Arts Professor Carroll “Chip” Johnson was recruited to play the part of Grandfather, giving the show a comprehensive authenticity of characters’ ages, usually not practical to most college productions.
McNeela’s focus in directing “Ragtime” was not the set or technical aspects as much as the human element.
“Some of these kids will be on Broadway in a few years,” McNeela said. “What we have here are great storytellers, trying to tell this important story the best they can. The themes of “Ragtime” will always be relevant. All the issues are still with us – fear of immigrants, racism, unemployment, a harsh economy and the pitfalls of capitalism.”
Junior Patrick Dinnsen plays the part of the Younger Brother. Dinnsen said he believes what makes the show so relevant is its explanation of the concept of the American dream.
“The show praises our accomplishments, while not hiding our faults, and sends a message that our work is not yet done, even today,” said Dinnsen. “Ultimately, the show itself is a dream of what this country could be.”
Through its namesake style of music, the carefully-selected cast and production crew of “Ragtime” present a tale of American archetypes and historical heroes, as these characters realize America is perpetually chasing that concept of greatness, a dream only achievable through the our own moral actions.