Christine Dwyer, actor/performer, “Ragtime” at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. 2022

Christine Dwyer, who plays "Mother," along with characters in the ensemble, in the current production of the musical "Ragtime" at TheatreWorks Mountain View Center for the Arts, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. Ragtime is based on the E.L. Doctorow novel, and concerns the changes in music, women's rights, and the experience of Black Americans at the turn of the 20th Century. In the interview, Christine Dwyer discusses how she came to the role, the various elements that came up during rehearsal, and her life before and during the pandemic. She also discusses how the #MeToo movement and Black Lives Matter has impacted the theatrical community in terms of sensitivity training and behavioral changes. Christine Dwyer has performed as Elphaba in "Wicked" both on the national tour and on Broadway, has appeared in several off-Broadway productions as well as touring companies of "Finding Neverland" and "Waitress." She also performed in the ensemble of the 2018 "Jesus Christ Superstar Live" production on NBC.