NEW YORK CITY _ Broadway has long been a mirror reflecting America’s triumphs, contradictions, and struggles for identity. This fall, that mirror gleams brighter than ever as Ragtime makes its grand return to the stage at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater. The revival of this beloved musical is more than a trip down memory lane—it’s a reckoning with history, an anthem of resilience, and a celebration of the unyielding American spirit.
Directed by Tony Award–winner Bartlett Sher, the 2025 production of Ragtime reimagines the classic tale for a generation living through its own era of social upheaval. With a cast led by powerhouse performers Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, and Brandon Uranowitz, the show dives deep into themes of race, immigration, class, and hope—all set to Stephen Flaherty’s sweeping score and Lynn Ahrens’ stirring lyrics.
Exclusive Offer for Our Readers!
Discover an amazing deal available only for our audience. Don’t miss out—act now!
A Story That Still Resonates
Set in the early 1900s, Ragtime follows three distinct American families: an affluent white household from New Rochelle, an immigrant Jewish father and his daughter from Latvia, and a proud Black musician from Harlem. Their paths intertwine in a narrative that feels strikingly relevant in today’s divided America.
At its heart, Ragtime is about the struggle to find belonging in a country that promises freedom but often withholds it. “We didn’t want to just revive Ragtime,” Sher explained in an interview. “We wanted to remind audiences that the same questions America faced in 1906—about race, justice, opportunity, and who gets to call this country home—are still being asked today.”
A Cast That Commands the Stage
The new revival is anchored by Joshua Henry, whose electrifying portrayal of Coalhouse Walker Jr. has already earned standing ovations. Henry, known for his magnetic performances in Hamilton and Carousel, brings raw emotion and power to the role of a Black pianist whose personal tragedy becomes a symbol of resistance and dignity.
Opposite him, Caissie Levy plays Mother, a woman whose awakening to the injustices around her captures the slow but hopeful evolution of the American conscience. Her solo “Back to Before” has been hailed by critics as “devastatingly beautiful” and “the emotional core of the entire production.”
Rounding out the trio, Brandon Uranowitz portrays Tateh, the Jewish immigrant filmmaker whose pursuit of the American Dream feels both timeless and contemporary. His performance adds warmth and humanity to a show filled with questions about who we are and what we believe.
Exclusive Offer for Our Readers!
Discover an amazing deal available only for our audience. Don’t miss out—act now!
A Modern Production for a New Era
Visually, the 2025 Ragtime revival is breathtaking. Scenic designer Michael Yeargan uses minimalist sets that blend projected imagery with historical photographs—turning the stage into a living mural of New York’s transformation. Catherine Zuber’s costumes fuse period authenticity with subtle modern touches, reminding viewers that history is never as far away as it seems.
The orchestra, conducted by Kimberly Grigsby, fills the theater with lush harmonies and rhythms that pulse with both sorrow and celebration. From the rousing opening number “Ragtime” to the haunting final reprise, the score remains one of Broadway’s most emotionally rich compositions.
Critical and Audience Response
Early reviews have been glowing. The New York Times called the production “a triumphant return of one of Broadway’s most intelligent and emotionally charged musicals.” Social media buzz has been equally strong, with theatergoers posting about the revival’s power to move and inspire.
Fans have praised how the production balances nostalgia with new urgency. “It’s not just history—it’s a reflection of who we are today,” wrote one attendee on X (formerly Twitter).
Industry insiders are already whispering about potential Tony nominations for Best Revival of a Musical, along with nods for Henry and Levy’s performances.
More Than a Show—A Message
Perhaps what makes this Ragtime revival so impactful is its timing. In a year where political tensions, racial divides, and debates about immigration dominate headlines, Ragtime serves as both a mirror and a balm. It reminds audiences that progress is never linear—and that music, art, and empathy remain some of our strongest forces for change.
As one theater critic put it: “If Ragtime was ever just entertainment, it no longer is. It’s a statement.”
Exclusive Offer for Our Readers!
Discover an amazing deal available only for our audience. Don’t miss out—act now!
The Heartbeat of Broadway Lives On
For New Yorkers, the return of Ragtime feels symbolic—a sign that Broadway’s heart still beats strong after years of uncertainty in the entertainment world. Lines outside the Lincoln Center stretch around the block, a familiar sight that reminds everyone that live theater is, once again, the beating soul of the city.
In the final scene, as the characters unite in hope for a better future, you can feel the audience holding its breath. Then, as the lights fade and the applause erupts, one truth remains clear: Ragtime isn’t just a story about America—it’s a story about all of us.
Sources:
- Entertainment Weekly – Exclusive first look at “Ragtime” musical revival on Broadway
- Playbill – “Ragtime” Revival Announces Cast and Creative Team
- The New York Times – Review: “Ragtime” Returns to Broadway With Resonant Power
