[Bronagh Lagan]
Rags, the musical
PARK THEATRE, 2020
RAGS, THE MUSICAL IN REHEARSALS, 2020
RAGS, THE MUSICAL IN REHEARSALS, 2019
RAGS, THE MUSICAL, HOPE MILL THEATRE 2019
Jan-Feb 2020- The Park Theatre
March-April 2019 – Hope Mill Theatre
28th April 2014 – Lyric Theatre (Concert Version)
An Aria Entertainment and Hope Mill Theatre production
Book by Joseph Stein
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Revised Book by David Thompson
Produced in association with Matthew Hopton of Knockhardy Productions.
RAGS The Musical tells the heart-warming and powerful tale of a group of Jewish immigrants as they arrive to start a new life in America.
Fresh from Ellis Island, a young mother and her son search for a new life and a sense of home as the 20th century beckons. The streets of Manhattan’s Lower East Side may not be paved with gold, but they echo with the music of opportunity, optimism and hope.
With a ravishing score by the songwriters of Wicked and Annie and the book-writer of Fiddler on the Roof, this is a sweeping saga of America’s immigrant past.
This is a transfer of the UK premiere of this eagerly anticipated new version which premiered at Hope Mill Theatre in February 2019 and is directed by
Bronagh Lagan (Little Women, Putting It Together, Promises, Promises).
RAGS The Musical is a story of love, loss and hope. Featuring a score celebrating the multicultural music which was filling the streets of New York in 1910. It is a saga of both hope and disappointment, of power and greed, of strength and love, combined with memorable music.
Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Ltd
RAGS, THE MUSICAL, PARK THEATRE 2020
RAGS, THE MUSICAL, HOPE MILL THEATRE 2019
CREATIVES
DIRECTOR – Bronagh Lagan
MUSICAL DIRECTOR – Joe Bunker
ORCHESTRATIONS – Nick Barstow
CHOREOGRAPHER – Philip Thomas
SET & COSTUME DESIGNER – Gregor Donnelly
LIGHTING DESIGNER – Derek Anderson
SOUND DESIGNER – James Nicholson
CASTING DIRECTOR – Jane Deitch
CHILDREN’S CASTING – Keston & Keston
PHOTOS - Pamela Raith
GENERAL MANAGEMENT – Chris Matanlé & Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER – Knockhardy Productions
PRODUCER – Hope Mill Theatre
PRODUCER – Aria Entertainment
CAST
REBECCA- Carolyn Maitland
AVRAM- Dave Willets
BRONFMAN- Sam Attwater
ANNA- Debbie Chazen
SAL- Alex Gibson
RACHEL- Rachel Izen
DAVID- Samuel Jones & Jude Muir
BELLA- Martha Kirby
BEN-Oisin Nolan
JACK- Jeremy Rose
ENSEMBLE- Arthur Boan
ENSEMBLE- Angela Caesar
AMERICAN- Adam Crossley
ENSEMBLE- Drew Dillon
ENSEMBLE-Matthew Gent
ENSEMBLE- Natasha Karp
REVIEWS
Under Bronagh Lagan’s nuanced direction, complemented by Philip Michael Thomas’s choreography, the Park’s space accommodates a story at once intimate and huge. Stephen Schwartz’s lyrics with Charles Strouse’s music nail the emotional impact. Rags is a rich, rewarding must-see experience.
By Judi Herman- Jewish renaissance 5stars
★★★★★
Director Bronagh Lagan and choreograper Philip Michael Thomas have done a terrific job of bringing the big Broadway feel to a very small space and having the musicians perform on stage works beautifully. -
London living large
★★★★★
“This American musical brings a welcome and progressive voice to today’s stage. Don’t miss it.”
“...outstanding music and performances.”
London Living Large - Jewish Chronical
★★★★★
“Like an immigrant who has to fight for what they deserve, this troubled show has finally claimed its place in (musical theatre) history.”
Metro - John Nathan
★★★★
“...a heartfelt sincerity and yearning poignancy that swept me away.”
‘’Bronagh Lagan's production, has been lovingly staged on an evocative set by Gregor Donnelly, constructed out of banks of old suitcases, to bring out the full power of this gorgeous, life-affirming show.’’
Londontheatre.co.uk - Mark Shenton
★★★★
“Bronagh Lagan’s audacious production accentuates the parallels between attitudes to immigration then and now.
★★★★
“Beautifully written and performed…”
“...it’s themes of immigration, female liberation and cultural integration are as current as they have ever been.”
Daily Express - Neil Norman
★★★★
“Bronagh Lagan directs with great sensitivity on Gregor Donnelly’s suitcase-strewn set.”
Sunday Express - Michael Arditti
★★★★
“...an aptly timed and brilliantly performed production of a musical that deserves to be better known.”
British Theatre - Danny Coleman-Cooke
★★★★
“Bronagh Lagan's production has heart in spades and provides a real impact through the thoughtful way its themes are tackled.”
Rewrite This Story - Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
This musical is not exactly ragged. Rather it is a patchwork of the good and the ordinary, but Lagan’s vivid, emotionally charged and beautifully sung staging raises it to a higher level.”
★★★★
CREATIVES
DIRECTOR – Bronagh Lagan
MUSICAL DIRECTOR & ORCHESTRATOR – Nick Barstow
CHOREOGRAPHER – Grant Murphy
SET DESIGNER – Gregor Donnelly
COSTUME DESIGNER – Maggie Harwood
LIGHTING DESIGNER – Derek Anderson
SOUND DESIGNER – James Nicholson
CASTING DIRECTOR – Jane Deitch
CHILDREN’S CASTING – Keston & Keston
PR – Amanda Malpass PR
MARKETING – Dressing Room 5
PHOTOS - Pamela Raith
GENERAL MANAGEMENT – Chris Matanlé
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER – Knockhardy Productions
PRODUCER – Hope Mill Theatre
PRODUCER – Aria Entertainment
CAST
REBECCA- Rebecca Trehearn
AVRAM- Michael S. Siegel
BRONFMAN- Gavin James
ANNA- Jane Quinn
SAL- Robert Tripolino
RACHEL- Valda Aviks
DAVID- George Varley
DAVID- Lochlan White
BELLA- Lydia White
BEN- Sam Peggs
JACK- Tim Walton
ENSEMBLE- James Dangerfield
ENSEMBLE- Emma Fraser
ENSEMBLE- James Hastings
ENSEMBLE- Hannah Khogali
REVIEWS
“..an unforgettable, unique and vibrant treat..” –
Jewish Telegraph
★★★★★
“RAGS is beautifully executed theatre which will sweep you away with its gritty and poignant storytelling.”
Opening Night
★★★★★
“It’s another hit from the Manchester-based Hope Mill Theatre and Aria Entertainment, who once again prove their commitment to nurturing musicals and producing first class productions.”
Ben Hewis
★★★★★
“ ..a strong cast that give a breathtaking performance both individually and as an ensemble.”
Sincerely Amy
★★★★★
NOMINATIONS
Best Director by Off West End Awards 2020
Best Musical Production by Off West End Awards 2020
Best Lighting Design in a musical by Off West End Awards 2020
Best Set Design in a musical by Off West End Awards 2020
Best Musical Direction in a musical by Off West End Awards 2020
Lead Performance in a musical by Off West End Awards 2020
3x Best Supporting Performance in a Musical by Off West End Awards 2020
Rags, in concert 2014
Theatrical Event of the Year by Whatsonstage 2014