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Davidson Community Players ^[1] will take the road less traveled when it stages the critically acclaimed musical “Ragtime” next month at Davidson College’s Duke Family Performance Hall.

The company says this will be one of the biggest productions in its 46-year history. Since premiering on Broadway and winning Tony Awards 13 years ago, “Ragtime” has toured nationally several times, played London’s West End, and recently has enjoyed a Broadway revival. The show is big in every respect: a cast of 50 men, women and children; an elaborate set; quickly changing scenes; an intriguing storyline; a monumental musical score; and a subject that embraces the indomitable nature of human will.

E.L. Doctorow’s novel comes to life in this song-and-dance show that looks at three New York families just after the turn of the 20th century: a wealthy white couple; a Jewish immigrant father and his motherless daughter; and an African American piano player who teaches them about the interconnections of the human heart, the limitations of justice, and the consequences of letting go of a dream. Historical figures like Harry Houdini, J.P. Morgan and Emma Goldman inhabit the moving epic, but it is the stirring musical score that carries the show, including gospel, marches, cakewalks and — of course — ragtime.

DCP Artistic Director Melissa Ohlman-Roberge directs, with choreography by Felicia Davis, musical direction by John Smith, sets by Anna Sartin, with props by Lisa Altieri. Jamey Varnador has designed the costumes, lighting is by Bruce Auerbach, and sound design is by Ryan Clark.

The cast includes new and old faces. Guest Artist and full-time actor Timothe Bittle plays Coalhouse Walker Jr. Also in the cast: Kevin Roberge (Tateh) and Lisa Smith-Bradley (Mother); Amanda Roberge (Evelyn Nesbitt) and Issac Josephthal (Harry Houdini), along with Kimberly Butler (Sarah), Brianna Smith (Emma Goldman), Erik D’Esterre (Younger Brother), Carranza Pryor (Booker T. Washington); Robert Watson (J.P. Morgan), B.J. Facemire (Henry Ford), Stuart Spencer (Willy Conklin), Robert Nipper (Harry K Thaw), Gino Pietrantoni (Grandfather), Steven Martin (Father) Eliza Robinson (Little Girl), and Zachary Halsey (Little Boy).

Performances are June 16-18, 8pm; June 23-25, 8pm; Sun Jun 19 and Sat Jun 25 at 2pm. Tickets are $22 adults, $20 for seniors (65+) and $12 for students. The show is recommended for ages 13 and over. For tickets, call the box office (704-892-7953) between 9am and 4pm (M-F), or purchase tickets online anytime at www.DavidsonCommunityPlayers.org ^[1]. Discounted tickets with reserved seats are available for groups of 10 or more.