Miller Theatre
Ragtime
presented by
OPENS April 5th at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston
Performances: April 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th and 14th at 8:00pm
Book by Terrence McNally | Music by Stephen Flaherty | Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Based on the novel, Ragtime, by E.L. Doctorow 
Each spring, HITS Theatre mounts a fully produced musical at Miller Outdoor Theatre that is performed free of charge to the public. This year, HITS is excited to present the smash-hit Broadway musical - Ragtime!
Called by Time Magazine "a triumph for the stage," and by the International Herald Tribune "the best musical in twenty years," this acclaimed musical won 1998 Tony Awards for Best Score, Book and Orchestrations, and won both the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical and Best Score.
Ragtime is not only a powerful portrait of life in turn-of-the-century America, but a relevant tale for today.
Written by the award-winning composer/lyricist team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens and noted playwright Terrence McNally, and based on E.L. Doctorow's distinguished novel, the musical intertwines the stories of three extraordinary families as they confront history's timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America.
The Tony-winning score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty is just as diverse as the melting pot of America itself. It draws upon many musical styles from the ragtime rhythms of Harlem and Tin Pan Alley to the klezmer of the Lower East Side, from bold brass band marches to delicate waltzes, from up-tempo banjo tunes to period parlor songs and expansive anthems.
Featured are such show stopping songs as "Getting Ready Rag," "Your Daddy's Son," "Wheels of a Dream," "Till We Reach That Day," "Back To Before," and "Make Them Hear You."
This is HITS 24th production of free performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre. This year our production of Ragtime features many of our HITS students. These young actors have the opportunity to perform in front of thousands of people - a life-changing event that is only possible through donations made by supporters like you.
Miller Outdoor Theatre where the performances are always free, has entertained and delighted several generations of Houstonians. Pack a picnic basket and a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the performance on the hill or sit in the seats under the canopy.
Tickets
You can't buy tickets to our productions at Miller Outdoor Theatre, but to show our appreciation for your donation and ongoing support, HITS offers a number of sponsor benefits. Contributors who donate $100 or more receive reserved select seats to the performance of their choice.
Get Involved
Miller Presenting Sponsor - If you want your name in lights, here’s your chance! Exclusivity for corporations.
Tent Party Sponsor & Underwriter - Support HITS in one of its biggest fundraisers of the year! The event is Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 5:00pm – 7:30 pm. More Information
Media Sponsor – HITS is no stranger to the media: “If you've never seen any of HITS' performances, you're really missing out. It's a real local gem.” - The Houston Chronicle (December 2008)
Patrons Circle Donor – Various levels are available to make a donation to HITS Theatre and receive wonderful benefits including Miller tickets!
Playbill Advertiser - With an anticipated audience of more than 20,000 from the Greater Houston area, your ad reach potential is tremendous and will run in all six performances! Silent Auction Donor - This is one of the biggest draws of the Tent Party with exceptional packages for all ages.
Contact Carrie Ray at 713/880-3615 or Carrie@hitstheatre.org for more information.
HITS is able to present Ragtime thanks to contributions from the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board; the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance; the Texas Commission on the Arts; Houston Endowment Inc.; The Brown Foundation Inc.; The Wortham Foundation Inc.; The Ray C. Fish Foundation; The George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation; The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts; The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation; Lillian Kaiser Lewis Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; King & Spalding LLP; The Lionstone Group; ExxonMobil Foundation; and generous contributions from individuals and families.