Ragtime

Cleveland-native Roderick Lawrence will portray lead character Coalhouse Walker Jr. in the Ragtime production that's at Cain Park this month. Lawrence has been performing in New York City and Los Angeles and will make a special return home for the musical. Other featured actors include Bridie Carroll (Wicked) as Mother, Mariah Burks (Toxic Avenger) as Sarah and Scott Esposito (Godspell) as Tateh. Nominated for 13 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Ragtime tells the story of three families in the pursuit of that ever-elusive American Dream. In 1998, it won Tony Awards for Best Score, Best Book and Best Orchestrations, and it also won both the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for Best Musical and Best Score. Tonight's performance takes place at 7, and performances continue through the weekend. The play will run through June 30. Check the Cain Park website for ticket prices. (Niesel)