Ragtime extends to 6 Sep 03 at Piccadilly

The musical Ragtime has been extended by 4 months at the Piccadilly theatre to 6 Sep 03

The show received good notices from the popular press when it opened last week: NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Maria Friedman...sings with a rich, sinuous virtuosity." BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, " Brisk, pacey, tuneful..touching." MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "Packs a considerable emotional punch." CHARLES SPENCER for DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "A show blessed with real heart, great songs and superb performances."

The musical, which had a run on Broadway from Dec 97 to Jan 00, is based on the novel by E.L Doctorow, book by Terrence McNally; music by Stephen Flaherty; lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.

It is directed by Stafford Arima, designed by Robert Jones with lighting by Howard Harrison and choreography by Candace Jennings.

This brand new production of Ragtime is freshly conceived and designed for its West End premiere and features an orchestra of 20 and a cast of 38.

The cast includes Maria Friedman, Dave Willetts, Graham Bickley, Kevyn Morrow, Matthew White, Howard Ellis, Susie McKenna, Mark McKerracher, Vincent Pirillo, Kenneth Avery-Clark, John Barr, Philip Brown, Cavin Cornwall, Julie Francis Forester, Tania Newton, Jo Servi, Marvin Springer, Rebecca Thornhill, Robert Archibald, Simon Bishop and Vikki Coote.

Ragtime chronicles the journeys of a black man, a Jewish immigrant and an upper class family as they struggle to find their places in a rapidly changing America.