Ragtime posts early closing notices for 14 June 2003

Ragtime posts early closing notices for 14 June 2003

The musical Ragtime has posted early closing notices at the Piccadilly Theatre after a run of only 3 months! The last performance will be on 14 June 2003.

Although the show received good notices from the popular press when it opened in March 03, it has suffered, like many West End shows at the moment, by a poor box office. (editor: All these terror alerts are having a detrimental effect on tourism in London!!)

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 was freshly conceived and designed for its West End premiere and featured 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.