Most of the principal cast of the upcoming L.A. production of Ragtime has been set: Brian Stokes Mitchell (Coalhouse Walker), Marcia Mitzman Gaven (Mother), La Chanze (Sarah), John Rubinstein (Tateh), and Judy Kaye (Emma Goldman). The inclusion of Mitchell, the only holdover from the original Toronto company, in the L.A. cast comes as a surprise, as the initial, albeit unofficial, plan was to keep the Toronto cast intact for transfer directly to Broadway in Dec. 1997. In Toronto, Mitchell received stellar notices for his portrayal of the pivotal character in the musical adaptation of E.L. Doctorow's historical novel.

Written by Terrence McNally (book), Lynn Ahrens (lyrics), and Stephen Flaherty (music), Ragtime premiered Dec. 8, 1996 in Toronto to rapturous local reviews. The L.A. production will begin performances May 29 at the Shubert Theatre prior to a June 15 opening.

Group sales tickets for the L.A. engagement can be purchased by calling 800-832-8440. Individual tickets go on sale Feb. 23 at the Shubert box office or by phone at 800-447-7400. Starting the same date, tickets can be ordered online through Playbill On-Line.