She gets killed off before intermission. However, for the 20 minutes she performs, she shines in her pivotal role. Brian Stokes Mitchell makes the role his own in a showstopping performance as ragtime pianist Coalhouse Walker. Peter Friedman, who plays the Jewish immigrant, has already won the Outer Critics Circle Award as Outstanding Featured Actor in a musical and comes close to stealing the show. He gives a depth to his character enabling the audience to understand and appreciate his character's struggle and transformation.
Ragtime is a marvelous production, almost certain to run for several years. .
The OCC Awards are frequently a precuisor to who will win the Tony Awards. The awards are handed out at a fun loving banquet at Sardi's. Friday night's festivities weren't a disappointment. I sat at a table with Natasha Richardson, her husband Liam Neeson and Lauren Bacall. Natasha received the OCC Award as Outstanding Actress in a Musical for Cabaret.