Ragtime Progress

With Cypress Bay's play drawing closer & closer with each passing day, the audience is anxious to see how the play will turn out. About 85 talented kids auditioned for this show & they all got parts for the show. Some have been chosen as historic figures, while others were just negroes, immigrants, or members of New Rochelle. Casting has been long over & now we move to the most difficult part of production: REHEARSALS!!!!

I refuse to lie for Ragtime is without a doubt the most difficult show performed in Cypress Bay since Les Miserables. We're talking about songs where kids really need to push their vocals, dances that require quick timing & precision, and for the kids to stop acting like students & become these important characters. But being in the acting business myself, most kids just don't take it seriously.

Ragtime is probably the most important show in our lifetime & no one is taking this seriously. Most of my cast are either goofing off & talking about something unrelated. Some just babble away with no reason & simply forget a step or two. Heck no one even saves their voice for the real performance! Even Mrs. Lutwin has had a hard time keeping the class together, as the pressure began to get to her.

Unless the kids can get their heads in the game & focus, Ragtime will be harder than it should be. The kids really need the motivation to get into character & get with the program. The cast of Ragtime will need all the support they can give, including theater tips & one-on-one conversations. We know this cast will do a great performance, but they must prove that these difficulties will not stand in their way of greatness. It will be hard, but it may be the only way to insure a grand performance. Until then, break a leg.