Casting

← Back to Ragtime (Version 1)
Cast Size: Medium (11 to 20 performers)
Cast Type: Ensemble Cast
Dance Requirements: None

Character Breakdown

Coalhouse Walker Jr.

A proud and talented pianist. A Black man who believes that he can take part in the new America and will be treated fairly.

Gender: male
Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: G2
Sarah

Washwoman. Sarah is a young Black woman, beautiful and filled with a strong will to live, fueled by an innocent spirit. Falls deeply in love with Coalhouse after much resistance.

Gender: female
Age: 20 to 25
Vocal range top: F#5
Vocal range bottom: G#3
Mother

The consummate wife and mother. A kind woman with incredible moral fiber. Refined, intelligent, graceful and open minded.

Gender: female
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range top: F#5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Father

Mother's professionally successful husband. Fancies himself an amateur explorer, he is commanding and attractive. Enjoys being the family breadwinner, a traditionalist.

Gender: male
Age: 30 to 45
Vocal range top: F4
Vocal range bottom: A2
Younger Brother

Mother's younger brother. He is an erratic and passionate soul, a firework waiting to be lit. Influenced greatly by Goldman's teachings.

Gender: male
Age: 20 to 25
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: B2
Little Boy
Mother and Father's son. He is open-hearted and curious with inexplicable clairvoyance. Never passes judgement on others.
Gender: male
Age: 8 to 12
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: E4
Grandfather

Mother's patrician father. He is a retired professor, and easily irritated by nearly everything.

Gender: male
Age: 60 to 70
Tateh

A Latvian immigrant. He wears the trials and tribulations of his past on his sleeve, but remains optimistic that he will be successful. Full of genuine drive and heart. He lives for his little daughter.

Gender: male
Age: 35 to 45
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Little Girl

Tateh's daughter. A vulnerable child in a brand-new home, she has lost her mother and is guarded and shy. She clings to her father.

Gender: female
Age: 7 to 10
Vocal range top: Bb4
Vocal range bottom: C4
Booker T. Washington

Brilliant Black social activist. He is an eloquent and articulate gentleman with no patience for Black Americans leading less than exemplary lives.

Gender: male
Age: 45 to 55
Vocal range top: Eb4
Vocal range bottom: D3
Emma Goldman

Social activist. Originally from Russia, she is a leader, a fearless advocate for the oppressed.

Gender: female
Age: 35 to 45
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Evelyn Nesbit
Beautiful vaudeville performer. Thrust into the limelight after the high profile murder of her lover, the entire world is her stage.
Gender: female
Age: 18 to 21
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Harry Houdini

The famous magician, originally from Hungary. With notable physical ability, he stands as a symbol of the 'American Dream.'

Gender: male
Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: G4
Vocal range bottom: E3
Ensemble

Baseball Fans; Coalhouse Supporters; Firemen; Immigrants To America; New Rochelle Citizens; Reporters; Vacationers.

Played by Black actors: Coalhouse's Lawyer, Harlem Citizens, Henson