Last year’s spring musical, Newsies, was a big hit, and definitely signaled a revitalized music program at Mount Carmel.

Following up on that success, MC Music Director Mr. Bill Spakowski recently announced that this spring’s musical will be the broadway hit Ragtime.

Ragtime tells the story of three different segments of New York society in the early part of the 20th century: African Americans from Harlem, upper class white suburbanites from New Rochelle, and Eastern European immigrants from Latvia.  A story that explores how the lives of diverse backgrounds intersect seems perfect for the diverse population of Moun Carmel.

Based on a 1975 novel by E.L. Doctorow, the story was developed for the stage by Steven Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens, and Terrance McNally.  One of the interesting aspects of the story is the way the author incorporated many prominant historical figures, such as Harry Houdini, Booker T. Washington and J.P. Morgan, into the plot of the novel.

Bringing the story to life on the Mount Carmel stage will require weeks of effort by actors, musicians and stage crew. To begin that process Mr. Bill Spakowski has announced that audition workshops will be held January 6-9 from 4-5:30 in the Student Center.  Auditions will follow on January on the 13,14, and 16, with callbacks scheduled for January 17.

Once the cast is determined, rehearsals will be held every day after school, Monday through Friday, and occasionally on Saturdays.

The performance dates will be March 26, 27, and 28.