New York (AP) — Nearly 30 years after its initial debut, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens' musical "Ragtime" is experiencing a revival at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theater. This poignant American epic, which intertwines the lives of three families in early 20th century New York, has garnered 11 Tony nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical, signaling its powerful resonance with contemporary audiences. Lynn Ahrens expressed a sense of charm in this third run, noting that audiences now view the show more as a contemporary reflection than a mere period piece.
Originally adapted from E.L. Doctorow's 1975 novel, the musical's book was penned by the late playwright Terrence McNally. "Ragtime" captures a broad spectrum of the American experience, spanning from Black Americans in Harlem and Jewish immigrants on the Lower East Side to the affluent white residents of Westchester County. The storyline, while fictional, incorporates historical figures such as activist Emma Goldman, educator Booker T. Washington, banker J.P. Morgan, auto industry pioneer Henry Ford, and illusionist Harry Houdini, thereby depicting a range of societal experiences marked by both tragedy and hope.
The musical's emotional depth and the profound performances by its cast have earned it enthusiastic standing ovations, often during the performance itself. Audience members frequently return to the show, bringing along family members from different generations, which highlights its broad appeal. Brandon Uranowitz, who plays Tateh, a Jewish immigrant from Latvia, noted that this generational connection to the story speaks to a wider contemporary reckoning with America’s national identity.
In the 1998 production, "Ragtime" lost the Tony Award for Best New Musical to "The Lion King." However, Ahrens and Flaherty won for Best Original Score, McNally for Best Book, and William David Brohn for Best Orchestrations. The production has the potential to clinch the Best Musical Revival award this year, amid tough competition from "Cats: The Jellicle Ball" and "The Rocky Horror Show." The cast's nominations include all three lead roles, as well as featured performers Nichelle Lewis and Ben Levi Ross.
Joshua Henry, nominated for Best Lead Actor for his portrayal of Coalhouse Walker Jr., a celebrated Black pianist, and Caissie Levy, recognized for her role as Mother, symbolize the diverse experiences depicted in the show. The ensemble enhances the intricate web of relationships and themes in the narrative. In particular, the duet "Wheels of a Dream," performed by Lewis and Henry, receives frequent standing ovations, marking a high point in the musical's emotional landscape.
The themes of hope and resilience resonate through Uranowitz's Tateh, who faces numerous adversities yet persists. During the song "Journey On," his character reflects on the immigrant experience, particularly the challenges and dreams associated with arriving in New York. Both Tateh and Father (Mother's husband) represent different facets of the immigrant experience, despite being nameless characters. Uranowitz emphasized the intention behind these namelessness, which allows their stories to reflect broader experiences shared by many Americans.
Under the direction of Lear deBessonet, the musical appears particularly relevant in 2026, with audience members commenting on how the dialogue regarding discrimination and brutality resonates with current societal issues. DeBessonet notes that while no text changes were made, the audience's perception of the material has evolved. There is a collective reflection on the promise and pain within the narrative, mirroring contemporary America.
Looking ahead, a national tour scheduled for 2027 will expand the reach of "Ragtime," continuing to explore the themes of immigration and identity that are still pertinent today. The show's final number includes a poignant alteration: during the reprise of "Wheels of a Dream," there is a deliberate pause that invites every performer to imbue the moment with their authentic emotional responses, allowing room for varied interpretations from the audience.
Ahrens has expressed amazement at the audience's engagement with the production throughout its Broadway run, especially in the context of the forthcoming 2024 presidential election, indicating a heightened awareness and connection to the themes presented. This run of "Ragtime" continues until August 2, capturing the intricacies of the American experience with both historical resonance and modern relevance.
