Ragtime Revival Strikes a Chord with Modern America

A sweeping revival of Ragtime has returned to Broadway, bringing fresh urgency to one of America’s most powerful musical portraits. Nearly three decades after its debut, Terrence McNally’s adaptation of E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel feels timelier than ever, exploring themes of racism, immigration, and class divide that still shape the nation today.

Tony Award-nominated director Lear deBessonet’s new production, opening at Lincoln Center after a celebrated run at New York City Center, reimagines the landmark musical for the current era. Featuring a cast led by Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, and Brandon Uranowitz, the revival merges Stephen Flaherty’s rousing score and Lynn Ahrens’ poignant lyrics with a renewed focus on the country’s social fractures and enduring aspirations.

Set in early 20th-century America, Ragtime intertwines the lives of three groups — Black Americans, Eastern European immigrants, and white upper-class families — as each searches for identity and opportunity amid upheaval. The narrative captures both the hope and heartbreak of a nation striving to live up to its ideals.

Levy’s portrayal of Mother, a woman discovering her independence in a world ruled by convention, embodies the show’s emotional heart. Her transformation from sheltered matriarch to compassionate changemaker highlights the universal struggle for empathy and understanding. Henry’s portrayal of Coalhouse Walker Jr., a Harlem musician confronting systemic injustice, channels both the joy of artistic ambition and the anguish of oppression. His journey reflects the play’s searing exploration of race and resilience.

As Tateh, Uranowitz brings tenderness to the story of a Jewish immigrant chasing the American dream. His optimism and reinvention underscore the production’s deeper question — whether the dream itself can still survive in a divided society.

DeBessonet’s revival balances grandeur with intimacy, inviting audiences to see themselves in the intertwined destinies on stage. The show’s sweeping melodies, from “Wheels of a Dream” to “Make Them Hear You,” remind viewers that progress often comes through collective struggle and shared humanity.

In an era marked by cultural tension and political unrest, this Ragtime does more than revisit history. It mirrors the present, challenging audiences to reflect on how far the country has come and how much work remains.

The result is a revival that feels both restorative and raw — a musical masterpiece reborn for a restless age.