Three Decades On, 'ragtime' Continues to Captivate Audiences

WHO:

ABC News - Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens wrote the music and lyrics for “Ragtime.”

ABC News - Terrence McNally wrote the book for the musical.

ABC News - Historical figures featured in the musical include Emma Goldman, Booker T. Washington, J.P. Morgan, Henry Ford, and Harry Houdini.

ABC News - Brandon Uranowitz plays the role of Tateh, a Jewish immigrant from Latvia.

ABC News - Joshua Henry plays Coalhouse Walker Jr., a celebrated Black pianist.

ABC News - Caissie Levy plays Mother, the matriarch of a wealthy white family.

ABC News - Nichelle Lewis plays Sarah, Coalhouse’s beloved.

ABC News - Ben Levi Ross plays Mother’s Younger Brother.

ABC News - Colin Donnell plays Father, Mother’s husband.

ABC News - Lear deBessonet is the director of the current production.

WHAT:

ABC News - “Ragtime” is in its third run on Broadway and has earned 11 Tony nominations, including for best revival.

ABC News - The original production of “Ragtime” lost the best new musical Tony Award to “The Lion King.”

ABC News - A 2009 revival of “Ragtime” received six nominations but lost best revival to “La Cage aux Folles.”

ABC News - “Ragtime” is a front-runner for best musical revival against “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” and “The Rocky Horror Show.”

ABC News - The Broadway run of “Ragtime” concludes on August 2.

ABC News - A 2027 tour of “Ragtime” is planned, with the creative team from the Broadway run.

WHERE:

ABC News - “Ragtime” is staged at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater in New York.

WHEN:

ABC News - The original Broadway production of “Ragtime” debuted in 1998.

ABC News - The original production won four Tony Awards.

WHY:

ABC News - Audiences are responding to “Ragtime” as a contemporary story rather than just a period piece.

ABC News - The musical reflects a generational reckoning with America and its national identity.

HOW:

ABC News - The musical features a large ensemble cast that fleshes out the lead trio's lives and relationships.

ABC News - The production has not changed its text, but audiences are interpreting it differently in the current context.

(UPDATED June 6, 2026 15:19 UTC)

“Ragtime” is currently in its third run on Broadway at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater and has earned 11 Tony nominations, positioning it as a front-runner for best musical revival against “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” and “The Rocky Horror Show.” The production features a talented cast, including Brandon Uranowitz as Tateh, Joshua Henry as Coalhouse Walker Jr., and Caissie Levy as Mother, and is directed by Lear deBessonet. Audiences are responding to the musical as a contemporary story that reflects a generational reckoning with America and its national identity, and the Broadway run will conclude on August 2, with a tour planned for 2027.