Ragtime, The Musical touched the heart and soul of every American at the turn of the century.  The Tony award-winning musical, based on the novel by E. L. Doctorow, blends a combination of splendid acting and superb singing. The show continues this weekend at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center with four more performances –

• Tonight at 8.
• Saturday at 2 and 8.
• Sunday at 2, the finale.

If you love history and music, Ragtime is a must-see.  This powerful representation of America around 1900 tells the story of three completely different families who try to establish their places in history.  Because of diverse backgrounds, their successes and failures show why America has come a long way but still has many hills to climb.

The 45-member cast led by Rufus Bonds Jr. who plays the part of Coalhouse Walker Jr, a dignified black man who is driven to become militant.  “It’s a role that I have always wanted to do,” said Bonds Jr. on opening night last weekend.  “Just by the nature of the story and the role that I play, it shows how we must fight but fight with dignity. This story tells about the turn-of-the-century problems still going on today. It shows people how to do the right things with your heart in the right place.”

Christanna Rowader, who plays the mother, along with Brooke Besikof, as the little girl, Donovan McFann, as the little boy, and Daebrreon Poiema as Sarah all were magnificent. 

The 3-D Theatrical production of Ragtime also features historical celebrities such as Henry Ford, Emma Goldman, Harry Houdini, Evelyn Nesbit, J. P. Morgan and Booker T. Washington.  The show is directed by 3-D Theatricals Executive Producer/Artistic, T. J. Dawson.  Musical director is Julie Lamoureux and the choreographer is Dana Solimando.

Tickets prices range from $35 to $65, and the box office opens two hours prior to showtimes.  Tickets also may be ordered at www.3dshows.com