Who's Who in the Cast & Crew: Spotlight on Gabriella Certo

Gabriella Certo, 15
Emma Goldman

• Which character do you most identify with? Why?
  I most identify with Emma Goldman, actually. She is a leader and a fighter. I'm not as much of a fighter but I am passionate about what I believe in and I will fight for what I think is right.
   
• Why is Ragtime relevant today?
  In Ragtime, there is a lot of discrimination and racism. Although we, as a society, have become a much more open minded world, there are still many stereotypes and quite a lot of frowning upon people who are different, physically or emotionally.
   
• Why should today's audience watch Ragtime?
  Today's audience should watch this musical and learn how hurt people can be by the simplest form of discrimination. They should also see how change can be a good thing. We are all afraid of change but it can lead to better things and we should be open to it because it's inevitable.
   
• What do you want the audience to take away from the musical?
  I want the audience to leave the show with a feeling of being open minded and thinking twice before they say something insulting or before they make fun of someone for being different then everyone else. I want them to treat people as equals.