Park Square opens "Ragtime," the hit musical (it won 4 Tonys) based on the hit novel by E.L. Doctorow, in previews on January 20. It will be the theater's biggest show ever, with a cast of 35 and a live orchestra.

Featured cast members include Harry Waters (Coalhouse Walker), Dieter Bierbrauer (Tateh), Christina Baldwin (Mother), Brittany Bradford (Sarah) and Lee Mark Nelson (Father). Noah Coon, who just finished the run of "Oliver Twist" at Park Square, returns in the role of the Little Boy.

Gary Gisselman directs, with music direction by Denise Prosek.

The artistic staff also includes Michael Matthew Ferrell (choreographer), Rick Polenek (scenic designer), Andrea M. Gross (costume designer) and Michael P. Kittel (lighting designer).

"Ragtime" has a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.

The show will run through Feb. 19 at Park Square, 20 W. Seventh Place, St. Paul. 651-291-7005 (noon-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.) or go to www.parksquaretheatre.org.