Special to Independent Newsmedia

Arizona Musicfest will expand beyond its traditional North Scottsdale borders with its second musical theater collaboration with the Herberger Theater Center.

Following the success of last season’s staging of “Carousel: A Concert,” the 35-year-old arts organization will produce “Ragtime: The Musical” on the downtown Phoenix stage. The show will April 24-26.

The production will feature guest Broadway stars, top musical theater performers from the Valley, and the Musicfest Pops Ensemble, under the direction of Musicfest Resident Artist Josh Condon. The production’s stage direction is by Mark Stoddard.

“We’re thrilled to produce another musical theater masterpiece on the Herberger stage, as part of our exciting 35th anniversary season,” Allan Naplan, executive and producing director and CEO, shared in a press release. “A new ‘Ragtime’ production recently opened to great acclaim on Broadway, but patrons don’t need to travel to NY to see outstanding Broadway talent performing this extraordinary and beloved piece of theater.”

Musicfest’s cast features Mamie Parris, reprising her role as Mother from the 2009 Broadway revival of “Ragtime.” Her extensive Broadway and national tour credits include Grizabella in “Cats,” Elphaba in “Wicked,” and Paulette in “Legally Blonde.”

Also joining the production are Ta’nika Gibson as Sarah, reprising her role from the current Broadway revival, and David R. Gordon as Tateh. Native Arizonan Sam Primack, the youngest actor to star as Evan in “Dear Evan Hansen” on both Broadway and the national tour, will take on the role of Younger Brother.

Rounding out the principal roles are Jane Bunting (Broadway’s “Come From Away”) as Emma Goldman, and local Valley favorite Jesse Berger as Father.

Arizona Musicfest’s 35th anniversary concert season runs through April. Featured artists include Morgan Freeman, Kenny G, The Righteous Brothers, David Foster and Katharine McPhee, vocal jazz sensation Samara Joy, and more.

To learn more about Musicfest concerts and “Music Alive!” programming, or to purchase tickets, visit azmusicfest.org or call 480-422-8449.