‘Ragtime the Musical’: Theatrical collaboration addresses historical social issues in a modern way

Three local theatrical entities have come together to present “Ragtime The Musical.” The production illustrates human rights issues from over a century ago that are still relevant today.

“We needed the organizations to come together and pull resources to do something on this scale,” said director Jim Haffner, also the director of the Pacific Opera Theatre, said. 

The production, which premieres on at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 10 at Delta College’s Tillie Lewis Theatre, was born of an impressive collaboration between Stockton Civic Theatre, Delta College and the University of the Pacific, a rare feat in recent years. The enormous cast and crew is composed of 49 on-stage actors, nine off-stage choristers and 21 players in the orchestra. 

“Independently, it would be very difficult for us to do a show of this magnitude, and of this size,” Haffner said. 

The play touches on immigration issues, police brutality and inequities in the United States. It is set in New York between 1902 and 1915, following the contrasting lives of three Americans. The main characters include a Jewish immigrant from Latvia, a black pianist from Harlem and an upper-class white mother. 

Haffner has been with the Conservatory of Music at the University of the Pacific for 26 years. He directed the same musical at the 2015 Bay View Music Festival in Michigan, but he says his viewpoint is different now, and the themes have a stronger impact. 

“At the first read-through, I had to say, this piece lands differently now than it did in 2015,” Haffner said. “And we need to start a dialogue about some of the points that the play brings up.”

Character embodiment

Parts of the enormous crew have travelled far and wide for the spectacle. One of the lead roles, G.B. Blackmon, commutes over an hour from Merced, California. Another lead, Nick Giovannoni, is returning to Stockton after going to school in San Francisco and living in New York. 

“First show back at Stockton, there’s this collaboration,” Giovannoni said. “I figure it’s too big of an opportunity to pass up.”

Giovannoni’s character, Tateh, is a Jewish immigrant from Latvia. He “goes through this period of losing his identity,” Giovannoni shared. He approached the role by looking to his roots and learning more about the Ashkenazi Jewish culture. 

Blackmon, who plays the role of Coalhouse Walker Jr., finds his character to be relatable. The hardworking, family oriented, black pianist, reminds him of his father who shared similar traits. 

“The show’s set in 1906, and here it is, 2025. We’re starting a term against things again,” Blackmon said. “We’re repeating past mistakes and calling them good and new.”

Ragtime in Stockton 

Stockton, known for its diversity, is overlooked, according to Giovannoni. He says, “It almost contains all of the country’s problems and answers in one thing.” Ragtime’s relevance and relatability may resonate with Stockton’s community. 

The large-scale play and collaboration could signify a theater revival in Stockton. Giovannoni, who is from Stockton, said these types of productions used to happen “all the time.” Since then, theater in Stockton has faded. 

“I’m personally hoping that it ignites a further passion and collaboration between the companies and within this community,” Giovannoni said. 

Haffner sees the production as an opportunity to exhale. He says watching the play can help people reflect on the issues taking place in present day America. 

“I was raised to believe that this country is a work in progress,” Giovannoni said. “I believe that’s what the show does its best to say. We’re all coming from somewhere, and we’re all going somewhere. We never really stop moving.” 

Blackmon’s main takeaway is the importance of humanness. 

“What’s most important in the show is that we need to see the humanity in each other,” Blackmon said. “Once we start seeing the humanity in each other, then things will start to change.” 

The show runs through June 20. Tickets are being sold on the San Joaquin Delta College website.