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Review

MTC and director Amy Haynes Rapnicki have chosen to present this behemoth piece in a modified concert setting, and the decision proves wise, allowing the upstart company to focus on their art and not the massive (and costly) sets and props, in particular bulky pianos and the usually prohibitive but requisite Model T Ford automobile that features predominantly in the tale.

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Amy Haynes Rapnicki had a daunting challenge before her in taking on this mammoth project, and she tackled it. Her scenes and transitions blend fluidly, her characters are well-developed and imperfect, and her story-telling skills on easy display. I give her special praise for presenting the libretto as written by McNally, maintaining the offensive racial slurs and use of the N-word to deliver the impact the piece was conceived for. Most local (and even the occasional regional or dinner theatre production) shy away from this for fear of offending a tender audience and soften the language. Yes, to hear it live onstage is shocking and uncomfortable, but sometimes we need to be jolted into uncomfortable territory to get the full emotional historical impact. […] I admire Haynes Rapnicki’s conviction and dedication to the message of her piece.

http://www.theatrebloom.com/2023/11/ragtime-at-maryland-theatre-collective/

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