“Ragtime” is a spectacular — and incredibly timely — musical story of three families going after the American dream at the turn of the 20th century, and what that dream looks like for each family. It tells of the struggles, cruelty, and abuse faced by Blacks at the hands of racist whites, and the hatred faced by immigrants who came to this country to be successful. This superb musical production is packed with one showstopper number after the next. The cast is stunning and will have you on your feet cheering. The musical features a book by Terrance McNally, music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, based on the novel “Ragtime” by E.L. Doctorow.
The cast will send you to the upper stratosphere as their voices soar to the heavens, which is also where they take your heart and soul. The cast delivers their roles with passion, intensity, and conviction. This production is Broadway at its most powerful, relevant best, and will have you captivated and appreciative from the first song until the finale. It is nothing less than perfection before your eyes.
Joshua Henry is nothing less than a gift from God. His presence on that stage as Coalhouse Walker Jr. will captivate your very soul. His deep, passionate voice will give you chills. Henry leads a company of actors that are just as accomplished, and bring their heart and soul to their characters. Nichelle Lewis, playing the role of Sarah, Coalhouse’s love interest and the mother of his child, has definitely come into her own in this role — one she previously performed at New York City Center opposite Henry. Her voice is magnificent. When Lewis and Henry sing, your heart soars. Their harmonies are splendid. Their passion is palpable! They have a chemistry that is beautiful to behold. When they sing “Wheels of a Dream,” you will feel chills throughout your body. I know I did. Caissie Levy is compassionate and stirring as Mother, a white woman who thought her life was perfect, until she found an abandoned Black baby in her garden, and her life changed forever. Brandon Uranowitz is superb as Tateh, a Jewish immigrant who came to America with his daughter to find the American dream, but realized that it was not going to be as simple as he’d hoped. Colin Donnell is very jaded as Father, a wealthy, racist businessman who does not support his wife helping a Black baby. Ben Levi Ross is marvelous as Mother’s Younger Brother, a young white man who passionately defends Blacks and is willing to assist them in achieving justice, whatever that may entail. John Clay III is captivating as Booker T. Washington, who wants to keep the peace, no matter what horrific actions whites take in attacking Blacks. Shaina Taub is phenomenal as Emma Goldman, a woman fighting for immigrants’ rights. Taub is mesmerizing in this role. Anna Grace Barlow is amusing as Evelyn Nesbit. Rodd Cyrus is engaging as Harry Houdini. Nick Barrington is delightful as The Little Boy, and Tabitha Lawing is memorable as The Little Girl. Kaleb Johnson was adorable in the role of Coalhouse Walker III, a role he alternates with Kane Emmanuel Miller. The ensemble on that stage is brilliant and includes Nicholas Barrón, Lauren Blackman, Allison Blackwell, Briana Carlson-Goodman, Jordan Chin, Billy Cohen, Rheaume Crenshaw, Ellie Fishman, Jason Forbach, Ta’Nika Gibson, David Jennings, Kaleb Johnson, Marina Kondo, Morgan Marcell, Kane Emmanuel Miller, Tom Nelis, Kent Overshown, Kayla Pecchioni, John Rapson, Deandre Sevon, Jacob Keith Watson, and Alan Wiggins.
“Ragtime” is visually stunning and has wonderful choreography by Ellenore Scott, scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Linda Cho, lighting design by Adam Honore, sound design by Kai Harada, projection design by 59 Studio, and hair and wig design by Tom Watson. There is music direction by James Moore, original orchestrations by William David Brohn, and vocal arrangements by Stephen Flaherty.
“Ragtime” is a MUST-SEE! It is playing at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre at 150 W 65th St. It is what Broadway theater should be — powerful, relevant, and filled with heart-pounding singing performances that will make your heart soar and bring you to your feet as you experience performances to adore! For tickets visit lct.org.