A century ago, much like today, the face of America was rapidly changing. Waves of immigrants came to the U.S. and searched for their place here, the country of their dreams. What they found were schisms between classes and races that often led to violence.

“Ragtime,” the musical based on E.L Doctorow’s epic novel, tells the story of those complex times through four distinct groups of characters.

A wealthy white family finds an abandoned black baby and becomes involved in the troubled lives of its parents. An immi-grant father and daughter’s struggles and successes reflect the social issues of the times. Famous people from the era — Booker T. Washington, Emma Goldman, Henry Ford and J.P. Morgan — directly impact the characters’ lives.

The show’s ragtime music reflects the tempo and turbulence of the era.

Directors David and Jennifer Woodrow assembled a cast of more than 50 men, women and children to perform the musical for Danville Light Opera this weekend.

“This is a difficult show with a difficult score,” said Ron McDaniel, a DLO veteran who plays Ford.

The cast — composed of other veterans, newcomers and some whose experience lies in between — seems up to the challenge.

“This is my first time ever in a show,” Angela Dabney said.

She works at the Beef House Restaurant near Covington, Ind., which David Woodrow manages.

“I’m having a lot of fun with the music, but it’s enlightening, too. It’s been an educational experience,” she said.

Others agreed about the historical value of the script. Some said they’ve seen “Ragtime” or listened to the score and have strong feelings about the music, as well as the message.

Danville’s Freddie Pascal performed in high school and college productions, but she was an audience member between then and now. She saw “Ragtime” in Chicago and New York and was moved.

Pascal, a former teacher for Danville District 118, said the musical “brings the races together. It shows how things used to be and how much things have changed.”

John Tilford, a high school English and theater teacher in Tolono, travels from Urbana for the show’s rehearsals. He plays Tateh, the immigrant father.

Tilford has appeared with the Champaign-Urbana Theater Company, the Station Theater and in Parkland College produc-tions. He worked with Woodrow in the Beef House Dinner Theater’s “1776.”

“When David asked me to audition, I was happy to,” he said. “This is one of my favorite shows. I never grow tired of it.”

Tilford sees a lesson beyond the music.

“It reminds audiences to accept other people for who they are, not how they appear,” he said.

Bruce Stelzer, who plays Morgan, the renowned banker, agreed about the educational value of the show.

“I knew some things about (Morgan), not just about the banking, but that he had one of the largest collections of antiquities and fine arts,” he said.

“After I was cast, I did some research and learned even more. He helped stabilize the U.S. government by floating it a loan. He got behind the idea of U.S. savings bonds.”

Stelzer started performing in high school to hone his public speaking skills. He went on to perform in local shows, including “South Pacific,” “Big River” and “Annie.”

By day, Stelzer works for Albin Vending, but he describes his role in “Ragtime” as “big, loud and boisterous. My dad was a professional clown and magician,” he said about doing what sometimes comes naturally.



IF YOU GO

Danville Light Opera presents “Ragtime” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in the Danville High School auditorium.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for students and will be available an hour before the show at DHS. Tickets also will be available 7-9 p.m. today at the Village Mall. Reservations and further information are available at 431-1660. Tickets also may be purchased at first Savings Bank, 6 W. Williams St., today and Friday.