Friedman can identify with the
challenges facing Tateh in Ragtime.
In a way, he's discovering unchar-
tered territory, too: "This is my first
musical. It's scarifying," he says with a
laugh. "You're out there eight times a
week. It's like an athletic event."
Friedman is game. With a soaring
;3 score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn
Ahrens, enhancing the book by
Terrence McNally, and direction by
Frank Galati, Ragtime tests his musical
muscle.
But then he was working out early
on.
"This play evokes vivid memories
for me of my grandmother Sadie
L _ Bernstein," he says in his bio for
Playbill. "Her vibrant, syncopated
piano technique flavored everything
she played, and she entertained us so.
"Whether it was 'Happy Birthday'
or `Hatikva,' it all came out ragtime."
Ragtime marches to the same drum-
mer, offering universal themes in the
specific struggles of Tateh and Little
Girl; black ragtime pianist Coalhouse
Walker Jr., his lover Sarah and their
son, Little Coalhouse; and the pros-
perous WASPish family of Mother,
Father, Mother's Younger Brother and
the Little Boy.
Friedman also can understand the
emotional charge Tateh experiences
when he finally is offered a chance at
success. "Every artist I've ever known
has had that feeling when being given
the ball: Just get out of my way."
Friedman is running hard in his
attempt to become Peter the great. He
all too well remembers when the field
was too muddy to make a lasting
impression. "The field I'm in — when
it's good, it's very good. When it's bad
— I spent a lot of time howling at the
moon."
is pleased to announce the
$395
LUNCH
SPECIALS
Served Mon.-Sat. from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
your choice of:
• Soup and Salad
• Sandwich and Cup of Soup
• Sandwich and Salad
/—
A scene fro "Ragtime": A production with universal themes.. -
/--'
What comes out in Friedman's fine-
ly shaped performance in Ragtime is
his comfort and familiarity with fami-
ly-style roles.
Playing papa seems a perfect role
for the performer, whose "Brooklyn
Bridge" days as head of a '50s house-
hold channeled his many talents into
one character. Low ratings eventually
took their toll on "Bridge," however.
Was the show just too Jewish for
audiences? No, says Friedman.
Indeed, universal appeal evolves
from very specific depictions, he
claims. The actor remembers being
told by two black lesbians that the
TV show about the 1950s Jewish
family hit home. "They said, 'That's
my family. —
The stars seem aligned for him
these days. "Each one was a fluke,"
laughs Friedman at his succession of
successes.
"But I made-a decision in my
career that I want- to like what I'm
doing." And, like Tateh, who leaves
behind the LoWer East Side for the
high life of Hollywood, becothing a
famous filmmaker, Friedman is feel-
ing the successful and soulful synco-
pation that comes with each beat of
Ragtime. ❑
new Ford Center for the
Performing Arts, 214 W. 43rd St
New York. Call (212) 307-4100
for tickets.
for $395
Banquet Facilities Available
Saturday Afternoons, Nights and Sundays.
Whether a wedding, shower,
Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Anniversary
or any special occasion,
The Sheik would love to serve you.
4189 Orcharb Cake Roo)
Ord:KO Lake
1/30
1998
101