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

Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune

Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune

Broadhurst Theatre

June 1, 2019

Photo courtesy of Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune

Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon are astounding in Terrance McNally’s Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune.  Director Arin Arbus finds the perfect rhythm to build the tension and intimacy between the characters.  Mr. McNally’s play is just as impactful today as it was when it was first produced in 1987.  This is because of its subject matter: the connection between two people in need.  A story like this is timeless and will forever touch the soul of an audience.

Audra McDonald & Michael Shannon
Photo courtesy of Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune

Frankie (played by Audra McDonald) is on her first date with Johnny (played by Michael Shannon).  He is the short order cook at the diner where she works as a waitress.  They go to a movie, stop for ice cream, then go to her one-room walk up apartment.  That is where the play begins, in Frankie’s apartment, where her and Johnny are is the throws of passion.  He adores her.  The more she showers her with complements, the higher her guard goes up.  As they share details of their lives, they find they have a lot in common.  They are both originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania.  Both their mothers deserted them at a young age.  They both hide the scars they carry.  Gradually, Johnny wears down Frankie’s protective shell.  When the sun comes up in the morning, they have to face the reality of their lives with a different sense of themselves and one another.

Arin Arbus, Michael Shannon, Terrance McNally, & Audra McDonald
Photo courtesy of Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune

The timing and chemistry between Ms. McDonald and Mr. Shannon are crisp and fluid.  There is a lot of humor in their continual badgering.  The pay off is the connection they create.  It is honest and genuine.  There are heightened moments of fear, followed by profound moments of calm.  The production is beautifully orchestrated.

Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune is paying at the Broadhurst Theatre.  It is Terrance McNally at his most intimate.  The production is tenderly directed and stunningly performed, proving that amazing things can happened under the "light of the moon."

Domenick Danza

Fire and Air

Fire and Air

Classic Stage Company

February 16, 2018

Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company

In Fire and Air, playwright Terrance McNally tells the passionate story of the relationship between Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev and Vaslav Nijinsky during the years of the Ballet Russes.  The Classic Stage Company production is designed and directed by John Doyle, who masterfully interprets Mr. McNally’s brilliantly crafted play about these complex and truthful characters.  The cast is strong and bold.  The story is accurately told.

Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company

Sergei Diaghilev (played by Douglas Hodge) spots a young Vaslav Nijinsky (played by James Cusati-Moyer) during a performance.  Diaghilev nurtures and molds him into one of the greatest ballet dancers of the 20^th century.  Diaghilev’s passion and vision for creating a new form of Russian ballet with his company, Ballet Russes, is matched only by his obsession for his new protégé.  When the company has financial trouble, Diaghilev turns to his cousin Dmitry “Dima” Filosofov (played by John Glover) to help him with the finances.  He and Dunya, Diaghilev’s nurse since childhood (played by Marsha Mason), provide emotional support for Diaghilev when Nijinsky marries Romola de Pulszky, a dancer in the corps de ballet.  Diaghilev dismisses Nijinsky and turns his attention to Leonid Massine (played by Jay Armstrong Johnson), another young dancer in his company, yet he is never able to let go of his deep feelings of love and obsession for Nijinsky.

Douglas Hodge & James Cusati-Moyer
Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company

Douglas Hodge creates a giant with his portrayal of Diaghilev.  He is exuberant, flamboyant, and larger than life.  His character’s passion for creating art thunders from deep within his soul and vibrates throughout the theater.  His deep need for love, attention, and admiration pervades his every action.  James Cusati-Moyer is mysterious and cunning as Nijinsky.  He has a commanding physicality and a fiery presence.  Together these two actors honestly portray a tumultuous relationship that is based on need and longing.  Their distance magnifies their attraction.  Their aspirations are magnetic.

Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company

John Glover is glorious as Dima.  Marsha Mason is solid and grounded as Dunya.  Their portrayals of the lifelong relationships to Diaghiliev create a sense of family that frames his boldness with a sense of reality, candor, and care.  Jay Armstrong Johnson creates a naive youth in the character of Leonid Massine that is an excellent juxtaposition to Nijinsky’s understanding of the control, exploitation, and abuse that Diaghilev is capable of.

The story of Diaghiliev, Nijinsky, and the Ballet Russes has been written about and told numerous times and in various media.  Terrance McNally’s rendition of the story is clear, concise, and emotionally driven.  It gives us pause to reconsider the value of art in our society.  John Doyle’s vision for the play is beautifully executed.  The cast is truly amazing.  Fire and Air is running at Classic Stage Company through March 2.  Check it out! 

Domenick Danza