The cast, however, makes the show worth seeing. Frances Leah King gives an incredible performance as Rebecca, and her powerhouse soprano is perfectly suited for what is an incredibly demanding score. She succeeds in making all the songs of this rangy part integrated in her voice, which is no mean feat, and a vast improvement over the performance on the Original Cast Album. Kristin Woodbury makes Bella the most sympathetic and real character on the stage. Those familiar with Rags may be interested in the changes which have occurred since its four-day run on Broadway.
More time is spent on the boat now than on Ellis Island.
Nathan's return to the family, in fact, now occurs off stage during the intermission, rather than closing the first act. Overall, Rags is one of those frustrating flops. It has gorgeous music, quite possibly the best Charles Strouse has ever written with some of Stephen Schwartz's best lyrics. It has a cast album that makes it sound more attractive and revivable than it really is, and songs that beg to be sung. The creators need to let go, and move on to new shows.