Ragtime

Ragtime
Lincoln Center Theater
at the Vivian Beaumont
May 9, 2026 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Cetner Theater

The Broadway revival of Ragtime is truly brilliant.  Stephen Flaherty’s music vibrantly echoes throughout the Vivian Beaumont Theatre.  Lynn Ahrens’ lyrics and Terrance McNally’s book ring true in the telling of America at the turn of the twentieth century, and are strikingly relevant to the turmoil of our present day experiences.  The cast of forty-three works as one, creating genuine moments of emotion that viscerally engage every member of the audience.  The choreography, by Ellenore Scott, is pulsating and lively.  Lear DeBessonet’s direction is spot on perfection. 

It is the turn of the twentieth century in New York City.  Wealthy white business owners are building the economy, while their families live in secluded luxury in the northern suburbs.  Poor immigrants cross the ocean with dreams of America, only to live in tenement squalor and work for low wages.  Black musicians in Harlem create ragtime music, while their community knows the limits of their freedom.  When Mother (played by Caissie Levy) finds an abandoned Black baby in her garden, these worlds begin to collide.  With Father (played by Colin Donnell) away on an excursion, Mother does not know how to handle the situation.  The police find the baby’s mother, Sarah (played by Nichelle Lewis), hiding nearby.  Mother decides to take them both in and give them the care they need.  Meanwhile, Mother’s Younger Brother (played by Ben Levi Ross) is enamored by Evelyn Nesbit (played by understudy Marina Kondo).  He follows her everywhere, until one night when he wanders into a rally led by Emma Goldman (played by Shaina Taub), where his activist spirit is awakened.

Joshua Henry as Colehouse Walker, Jr.
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Coalhouse Walker, Jr. (played by Joshua Henry), a musician from Harlem, finds out where Sarah is,
and travels to the suburbs to persuade her to return to him.  Sarah refuses to see him.  Coalhouse is unaware that Sarah had his child.  He persists, and she finally agrees to marry him.  While driving back to Harlem, they are victims of a racist attack, and nothing is the same again. 

Joshua Henry and Nichelle Lewis are phenomenal as Coalhouse and Sarah.  Their connection is genuine and their voices are outstanding.  Another phenomenal performance is delivered by Caissie Levy as Mother.  She is warm and tender, with a solid resolve.  Her singing is extraordinary. 

Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, & Brandon Uranowitz
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Brandon Uranowitz plays Tateh, a poor Jewish immigrant, who comes to America with his young daughter (played by Ellie May Sennett).  He sacrifices everything for her well being and safety.  In Act II, after he has achieved some success as a filmmaker, he meets Mother and her young son (played by Nick Barrington).  Their relationship turns the plot from tragedy to reclamation.  Ms. Levy and Mr. Uranowitz play their moments with quiet delight.  They are magical.

The revival of Ragtime is nominated for eleven Tony Awards this season, including Best Revival of a Musical.  This is a MUST SEE production.  It is playing at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theatre through August 2.  It has been extended a few times.  With new productions scheduled for next season it’s hard to predict if the show will be extended again, so get a ticket if you can. 

Domenick Danza