By Joann Holt, NDG Special Contributor
The Dallas Summer Musical’s production of Ragtime on stage now features two local boys as young Coalhouse Walker. James Hayes, a bubbly 7-year-old 1st-grader at St. Phillips School, stole the show from the talented cast when he ran on stage at the opening night performance. He alternates the role with 5-year-old Anthony Taylor, a Pre-K student at St. Phillip’s School.
We were fortunate to get the following information and comments from the two youngest cast members.
James Hayes has played the drums since he was 3. He plays for St. Luke Children’s Choir, Salem Institutional Baptist Church children’s choir, and his school’s Chapel Service.
James says, “My favorite musical is ‘Lion King’. I loved all the bright colors. I love all kinds of music but I really like to play along with Jazz and Christian music. My favorite musicians are Michael Jackson and Cold Play. Besides playing drums onstage, I have been in Christmas plays at my church and school. I also performed playing my drums at the Black History Program. I am very excited about being in ‘Ragtime’.”
Anthony Taylor has loved participating in his school’s theater program since he was four. He was a member of the ensemble for his school’s “Destiny Musical” in 2016 and “Christmas Musical 2015-2016. He is interested in dancing singing, painting drawing, watching plays, visiting museums, running and soccer.
Anthony says, “I have not seen a Dallas Summer Musicals production yet. However, I saw my first musical for my 3rd birthday. I was on a Disney cruise and saw shows nightly for seven days. I have also visited local children’s theaters, attended school plays at my dad’s school, and for my 5th birthday, saw ‘Peter Pan 360’.”
Anthony’s favorite music is Jazz because he likes the sound of all the instruments. Favorite artist is Bruno Mars and Uptown Funk. “I like to do both singing or dancing,” he says, “I make up my own songs at home. I’m interested in a career in musical theater because I think it will be lots of fun making people smile and laugh.”
No doubt Anthony will get his wish to make people smile and laugh during the national touring production of “Ragtime.” But most of us in the opening night audience also shed tears at the needless tragedy that befell so many of those 20th Century dreamers. “Ragtime” is a classic masterpiece with a message that is still as relevant as today’s headlines.
For tickets and showtimes visit the dallassummermusicals.org.
Outstanding! So proud of this young lad.