Powerful and emotional themes aside, this current and creator-blessed production (multiple-award winning and prolific Neptune resident and lyricist, Lynn Ahrens, has shared her enthusiasm for Salgado's visionary interpretation) is breathtaking in all the ways that theater aspires to be: fluid in its storytelling, heartbreaking and comedic in equal proportions, awe-inspiring in the professionalism of the cast's acting, vocal, and dance talents, and visually dazzling; thanks to the 'stage pictures' which Salgado creates on an inspired yet minimalistic set construction.
Salgado has masterfully weaved the skills he has acquired through association with highly successful and more contemporary work such as In the Heights (which he directed/choreographed for APAC in 2017), On Your Feet: The Gloria and Emilio Estefan Musical, and the film Step Up 2 - The Streets and brought that intensity to this dawn of the 20th century tale; making it fresh for both veteran theater-goers and less-than-avid musical theater audiences.
This first production of 2018 for the newly 'upgraded' to regional status Axelrod (lead by CEO, Jess Levy, and Artistic Director, Andrew DePrisco) has set the bar exceedingly and excitingly high...not only for this nationally emerging shore-side facility but for Monmouth County arts in general.
RAGTIME: The Musical at the non-for-profit Axelrod Performing Arts Center can be seen March 10th, 17th, 23rd, and 24th at 8pm, March 11th, 18th, 25th and 3pm, and March 17th at 2pm. Premium Adult Tickets are $42, Premium Senior Seats are $39, Regular Adult Tickets are $38, and Regular Senior Seats are $35...and can be purchased on the Axelrod's website at https://www.axelrodartscenter.com.