Broadway actor Barbara Walsh gives a master class

Barbara Walsh

Broadway leading lady Barbara Walsh, who originated the role of Trina in the Broadway production of Falsettos in 1992 and played the acerbic Joanne in the 2007 revival of Company, comes to Orlando Sept. 10 and 11 to give a concert and present two master classes, for high-schoolers and adults, at Tim Evanicki’s Starving Artist Studios.

Walsh, 56, has played a host of interesting roles, both on Broadway and in major regional theaters: Francesca in the first Broadway production of Nine; Mrs. Baskin, the main character’s mother, in the 1996 Broadway version of Big; Desirée in A Little Night Music at New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse; Mother in the Chicago production of Ragtime; Edith Beale and Little Edie in Grey Gardens at Washington, D.C.’s Studio Theatre; Maria Callas in Master Class at Baltimore’s Center Stage.  She is married to Jack Cummings III, artistic director of the New York theater company Transport Group, who also will give two master classes at Starving Artist Studios Sept. 10.

Walsh talked to me about studying and teaching theater and about the roles that has meant the most to her. Here’s an edited version of our talk:

‘Ragtime’ still needs one small boy

Here’s a note from Don Hopkinson, musical director of Ragtime in Concert:

Still seeking a young male actor to portray Little Boy in Ragtime in Concert. Age 9- 12, vocalizing to a mid-staff “D.” The show opens in 3 weeks and I need to fill this role ASAP. Thanks, everyone!! Contact Don Hopkinson on Facebook, or Nitemuze2@yahoo.com.

Theater auditions: ‘Ragtime’ in Seminole

These are auditions for Ragtime in Concert at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center in Sanford, a fundraiser for the Seminole Repertory Theatre Company (which performs at the Wayne Densch Center):

Theater auditions: ‘Ragtime’ in Eustis

Here’s an audition notice for Bay Street Players’ production of Ragtime. Note: The auditions are coming up fast — Monday and Tuesday, April 19 and 20.

AUDITIONS – Ragtime, The Musical
April 19 &20, 2010 at 7:30PM

Bay Street Players will hold auditions for the Tony Award-winning Ragtime, The Musical on April 19 & 20 at 7:30PM at 109 N. Bay Street, Eustis.  Artistic Director David Clevinger is looking for an ethnically diverse cast, including a large ensemble ranging in age from 7-80. Newcomers are welcome.  Those auditioning are requested, but not required, to prepare a musical selection, preferably in the style of the production, and to bring sheet music in their key.  An accompanist will be provided.  In addition, some may be asked to read selections from the script.  Anyone not interested in performing onstage is invited to join our team of volunteers and to learn of backstage opportunities needed for this production.

Ragtime is a musical with a book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty.  Based on the 1975 novel by E. L. Doctorow, Ragtime tells the story of three groups in America, represented by Coalhouse Walker Jr., a Harlem musician; Mother, the matriarch of a WASP family in New Rochelle, NY; and Tateh, a Latvian Jewish immigrant. Historical figures such as Harry Houdini, Evelyn Nesbit, Booker T. Washington, J. P. Morgan, Henry Ford, Stanford White, Harry Kendall Thaw, Admiral Peary, Matthew Henson, and Emma Goldman also appear. The music includes marches, cakewalks, gospel and ragtime.

Ragtime is generously sponsored in part by Bowen Radson & Schroth, United Arts of Central Florida, and the City of Eustis.   Please contact the theatre at (352) 357-7777 or visit the web site at www.baystreetplayers.org for directions or for further information.

Bay Street Players is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit community theatre celebrating 35 seasons of live theatre in the historic 1922 State Theatre in downtown Eustis.

‘Ragtime’ held over in Winter Haven

Good news for lovers of Ragtime, the musical — a show so big that few theaters can afford to put it onstage.

The Theatre Winter Haven production, directed by Katrina Ploof with musical direction by Terry Thomas, has been held over for one more performance. You can see Ragtime in Winter Haven for one final performance at 7:30 p.m. Sunday March 21.

We saw it last weekend, and this lovely production is well worth the drive.