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

A Man of No Importance

 A Man of No Importance
Classic Stage Company
December 17, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company

The Classic Stage Company production of A Man of No Importance is stunning and heartwarming.  It is based on the 1994 film of the same title.  The book, by Terrance McNally, delves into the characters and weaves them into emotional connections that forever change their outlooks.  The music, by Stephen Flaherty, creates an atmosphere that draws you in.  You feel part of this close-knit community.  Lynn Ahrens lyrics propel the action forward by deepening the awareness of the character’s inner lives.  John Doyle directed and designed the production to flow seamlessly and fill the space with poetry, passion, and tenderness.

It is the 1960’s in Dublin Ireland.  Alfie Byrnes (played by Jim Parsons) is a conductor for Dublin’s public transportation system, collecting tickets and reciting poetry to his passengers.  When he is told by Father Kenny (played by Nathaniel Stampley) that his theatre production of Oscar Wilde’s Salome cannot take place in the church hall because of its immoral content, it sends him into a period of self-reflection.  He sees himself as a man of no importance.  He thinks back to the day he decided to move forward with his idea of directing Salome with his little theatre troupe.  Adele Rice (played by Shereen Ahmed) boards his bus for the first time.  She looks like an exotic princess to Alfie, so he convinces her to accept the role of Salome.  Alfie’s sister, Lily (played by Mare Winningham) is happy to hear Alfie talk about Miss Rice.  She feels this might be Alfie’s chance to find happiness, get married, and settle down.  She does not know about Alfie’s secret attraction to Robbie Fay (played by A.J. Shively), the driver on Alfie’s route, who is cast as John the Baptist in the play.  As the production of Salome comes under scrutiny, Alfie faces the truth about himself and his “love that cannot speak its name,” and finds more acceptance that he expected. 

A.J. Shively & Jim Parsons
Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company

The story poetically unravels with simple honesty, which reflects the setting and time period.  The characters are all very well developed and beautifully performed.  Jim Parsons is grounded and tranquil as Alfie Byrne.  The character is committed to poetry, theatre, and the works of Oscar Wilde.  He cannot imagine why anyone would not be open and enthusiastic about experiencing and creating art.  Mr. Parsons portrays this character with genuine sincerity and conviction.  Mare Winningham is endearing as his siter Lily.  She supports her brother and pushes him to find happiness and love.  She is shocked when Alfie’s truth is revealed, yet she stands by him when he needs her most.  A.J. Shively is suave and outgoing as Robbie Fay.  He portrays the character as an average man seeking adventure in his day to day life in Dublin.  His friendship with Alfie is touching.

Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company

There are equally amazing performances by Shereen Ahmed, Alma Cuervo, Kara Mikula, Da’Von T. Moody, Mary Beth Peil, Thom Sesma, Nathaniel Stampley, Jessica Tyler Wright, Joel Waggoner, and William Youmans.  A Man of No Importance extended it’s run at Classic Stage Company, yet unfortunately closes on December 18.  I hope this will not be the last we see of this show.  It is a rare gem, truly charming and uniquely moving.

Domenick Danza