The Tin Pan Alley Rag
by Irving Berlin, Mark Saltzman, Scott Joplin

Although there is no historic record of Irving Berlin and Scott Joplin ever having met, it's not unlikely that the legendary songwriters’ paths might have crossed in that district of New York City known in the early part of the 20th century as Tin Pan Alley.

That's the premise of this intriguing musical play, set into motion when the aging Joplin happens into young Berlin’s office in search of a publisher for his opera, Treemonisha .

The ensuing musical discourse highlights influential and emotional moments from each of their lives.

This bracing, original piece contrasts the ironic similarities and differences between the men to the sustaining surge of musical abundance.

While Joplin received a conservatory education as the prodigy of a father born into slavery, it was Berlin, the Russian immigrant who couldn’t read music, who had his first international hit song at the age of 23.

What becomes clear is that both Berlin and Joplin possessed musical gifts beyond measure and shared a passionate humanity, both of which are beautifully showcased and illuminated in The Tin Pan Alley Rag .

SET NOTE By Mark Saltzman From past productions, The Tin Pan Alley Rag seems to work best when the set is simple.

Having the office set take up the entirety of the stage is one way to go, but consider the alternative of having the office, the “home base,” just one defined area of the stage, keeping in mind that back then as now, New York City offices are pretty small spaces.

The passage of time during the play is vitally important.

Joplin enters in the late afternoon and it’s deep into the night when he leaves.

On-stage office lights should be switched on an at an appropriate moment.

And there might be a window or a backdrop of New York, so we can see the lights of the city becoming illuminated.

Through set pieces and costumes, the bars in the show should clearly represent three different social levels.

Club Habana is posh – royalty and Broadway stars might be among the guests.

Some designers have created a beautiful effect with a starry night sky behind Irving and Dorothy as they tango outside.

Jimmy Kelly’s is a Bowery dump for barflies, criminals and prostitutes like Sophie.

The Maple Leaf Club is a private, members-only club for the middle-class African-American citizens of Sedalia, Missouri.