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

The Shark Is Broken

 The Shark Is Broken
Golden Theater
August 5, 2023 

Photo courtesy of The Shark Is Broken

The Shark Is Broken tells the behind the scenes stories of the three main actors from the movie Jaws.  It is funny, touching, and remarkably entertaining.  As the characters talk about their art, their careers, and the future of the movies, the audience gains insight into their faults, their goals, and how the world has not changed much in the past fifty years. 

Richard Dreyfuss (played by Alex Brightman), Roy Scheider (played by Colin Donnell), and Robert Shaw (played by Ian Shaw) are stuck on a boat between takes of filming the movie Jaws.  The mechanical shark has broken down again, so production is further delayed.  Richard Dreyfuss is wining about how cold it is.  Robert Shaw is impatient and drinking heavily.  Roy Scheider is reading the New York Times, maintaining his focus.  While Richard Dreyfuss is hoping this movie will make him a star, Robert Shaw knows that it will fail creatively, but probably make a lot of money at the box office.  These two men go head to head on a number of issues, both personal and professional, while Roy Scheider acts as referee, keeping them from killing each other.  

Alex Brightman as Richard Dreyfuss
Photo courtesy of The Shark Is Broken

The three actors perfectly capture the men they are playing, both physical and vocally.  Alex Brightman delivers the laughs as Richard Dreyfuss.  He genuinely portrays the insecurities and paranoia of the character.  The audience gains a keen insight into Mr. Dreyfuss through clear backstory and a brilliant performance.  Colin Donnell portrays Roy Scheider as the calm, level-headed one in the group.  When he reaches his breaking point, it is both surprising and satisfying.  Ian Shaw is boisterous and forceful as Robert Shaw.  He drinks heavily and has a short fuse.  The exposition about his childhood and relationship with his father is beautifully written and masterfully performed.

Colin Donnell as Roy Scheider
Photo courtesy of The Shark Is Broken

The energy levels of the three portrayals complement one another very well.  There are numerous arguments and a few brawls.  Every conflict builds powerfully, and is followed by honest moments of camaraderie and understanding between them.  They share one common goal, which is to make a movie.  No frustration, fight, breakdown, or tantrum gets in the way of their achieving that.  Their final scene before wrapping is Robert Shaw’s monologue from the movie, which he re-wrote himself before filming.  It sums up their struggle, and ends the show with a truthful moment.

Ian Shaw as Robert Shaw
Phtos courtesy of The Shark Is Broken

The play is written by Joseph Nixon and Ian Shaw (son of Robert Shaw), so the stories carry a level of credibility.  Director Guy Masterson keeps the action tight and moving in the confines of the setting.  Video design by Nina Dunn, lighting design by Jon Clark, and sound design by Adam Cork combine to create a turbulent and fast changing atmosphere that enhances the action of the storyline. 

The Shark Is Broken is a unique tale, well-conceived and expertly told.  If you are a fan of Jaws, you must see this play.  If you have not seen the movie, you will still find it riveting.  It is  playing at the Golden Theatre. 

Domenick Danza