Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Their latest, and let's surely hope not their final, teaming up is for an American Blues Theater show called "Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues," a play that goes back almost four decades, having first been developed at American Blues in 1987. As far as I am aware, though, the first full production of the final version did not take place until 2016, when the show, a piece about a pseudo-paternal friendship between an aging and crusty white vaudevillian and an African American teenager, was first seen in Ohio, where Charles Smith long has taught. The staging at the new space developed by American Blues is the show's Chicago premiere."
Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...Banks delivers a blistering, funny, and richly nuanced turn as a smart and talented kid (as demonstrated by his ragtime playing on Pompey's battered old upright piano) who has been screwed over by the system at every turn. We know that Pompey's near the end of his road, but we leave the theater hoping against hope that there are several good chapters ahead for J'Taurius."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
- Highly Recommended
"...Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues, by Artistic Affiliate Charles Smith, directed by legendary ensemble member Chuck Smith, is an enthralling narrative that explores the fundamental human emotions that unite us all, transcending the divides of race, religion, and age. Through simplistic yet raw dialogue, it showcases the shared struggles and aspirations of two people from contrasting cultural backgrounds, connecting their experiences and a poignant and heartfelt journey of lost souls seeking peaceful solitude from their struggles."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...What happens to one when the life they have lived begins to fade away? As an older person, who visits other old friends in Senior housing projects and nursing homes, I have been witness to many old friends who have seen their lives pass them by. In Charles Smith's "Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues" having its Chicago premiere at American Blues Theater ,we get to meet Pompey ( Dennis Cockrum is absolutely perfect) an aging vaudeville performer, who lives alone hoping to rediscover the magic in his past."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...Staged upon Scenic Designer Shayna Patel’s detailed and realistically grungy and debris-filled setting, Chuck Smith has staged an engaging story. Charles Smith’s comic drama is about two desperate and lonely souls who, despite their initial differences, discover the things that unite them. Barriers break down and, through a mutual love of music and the arts, a connection takes place. This heartfelt story about an unlikely communication that evolves during an afternoon surpasses race and a generational divide. This production will leave the audience with hope as two lost souls come together, if only for a moment."
PicksInSix
- Highly Recommended
"...The fine playwright Charles Smith has written a thoughtful play, "Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues," now playing through June 29 at American Blues Theater's intimate space on Lincoln Avenue. He has offered up lots of food for considerable thought in what is a deceptively simple premise in this Chicago premiere expertly directed by Chuck Smith. Two characters-one, an elderly vaudevillian who does not want to give up the chase for the next laugh; and the other, a young Black teenager with a great deal of history to deal with, as well as personal anger-are thrown together in a shabby apartment to deal with each of their issues. And there are many."
MaraTapp.org
- Highly Recommended
"...How excellent to have a play by Charles Smith back on a Chicago stage. His Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues has the hallmarks of his earlier works that examined race, politics and our identities in plays about W.E.B. Dubois, Marcus Garvey and others. Most premiered at Victory Gardens Theater, where the playwright, who grew up in Chicago’s South-side Bronzeville neighborhood, was part of the much-lauded and sadly defunct Playwrights Ensemble, a diverse-by-every-measure corps started in 1974."
NewCity Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...“Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues,” now playing at the American Blues Theater, is a warmhearted and funny play that celebrates both vaudeville and the possibility of friendship across cultural and generational divides. Like vaudeville itself, the jokes can be corny and the situations predictable. But the two lead performers are so strong that your cynicism will get the hook."
