Vividly justifying the very invention of musical theatre, Ragtime returns to New York City in a superbly cast, meticulously directed production that celebrates social progress whilst championing further gains.

Lovingly presented in the style of Encores and yet technically a standalone season, the New York City Center stage proudly accommodates some 33 performers and 28 musicians. While the grandly staged original 1998 production of Ragtime reflected the 1990s flair for the mega-musical, the 2009 Broadway revival of Ragtime focused on the sheer humanity of the story, putting the characters centre stage, as does this season. 

Faithfully based upon the 1975 E. L. Doctorow novel Ragtime, the musical is relatively complex in plot, interweaving WASPs, African Americans, and Jewish Immigrants, along with historical figures, at the beginning of the twentieth century. The three groups give and receive racism, religious bigotry, and sexism, and yet the beginnings of inroads of understanding are gradually made. Doctorow ends the story with a hybrid family that is surprisingly, yet convincingly, fused from members of each of the three groups, reflecting an ideal future society of integrated harmony.

Featuring rapturous melodies and intricate lyrics, the songs of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens are heard at their glorious best, with the sumptuous orchestra expertly conducted by music director James Moore. Practically sung through, audience comprehension of the densely plotted musical is aided by pristine diction and heartfelt expression. Occasional momentary pauses are successfully used to add emotional heft, the exception being the collective pause before the final note of the evening, which completely interrupts the climactic flow of music. 

Terrence McNally’s book deftly incorporates speeches made directly to the audience, allowing the characters’ inner voices to be heard and rollicking along the plot when needed. 

Confidently displaying intricate knowledge of Ragtime, director Lear Debessonet brings out myriad fine details, making for a performance that is as satisfying as it is entertaining. The talents of the starry cast are purely focused on character development and compelling storytelling, with the full company working as a wonderfully cohesive team. 

The even strength of the lead cast is seen as act one progresses and each performer entering the spotlight brings their character to life as commandingly as the last. 

The very rare musical to boast two 11 o’clock numbers, Ragtime soars home with Caissie Levy beseeching all that we can never go ”Back to Before” and then Joshua Henry as Coalhouse Walker Jr imploring his crew, and indeed all in attendance, to go out and “Make Them Hear You.”

Giving Mother an elegant grace bolstered by a core of steel, Levy shines as the emotional connective tissue of the piece. Colin Donnell gamely provides the all too rigid severity of Father, movingly allowing the man’s deeply rooted old world values to begin to bend by the conclusion of the story. 

Brandon Uranowitz is a force of nature as the determinedly driven immigrant Tateh. Uranowitz and Levy enjoy precious chemistry, making lovely music together in the sweet duet “Our Children.”

A powerhouse of the highest quality, Henry anchors the story’s great tragedy, exuding palpable joy at Coalhouse’s romance of Sarah and convincingly playing Coalhouse’s manic descent into unthinkable violence in response to injustice. Henry is beautifully partnered by Nichelle Lewis, who is heartbreakingly precious as young new mother Sarah. Lewis particularly shines in Sarah’s first number, “Your Daddy’s Son.” Together, Henry and Lewis raise the roof with inspirational duet “Wheels of a Dream.”

Newly minted star Shaina Taub (Suffs) is perfectly cast as tireless radical Emma Goldman. Todd Cyrus brings intriguing presence to famed illusionist Harry Houdini. 

Special mention to Tiffany Mann for her glorious gospel vocals at the beginning of act one finale “Till We Reach That Day.”

With every reason to be transferred to Broadway, if he hoped that this very welcome new production of Ragtime allows the musical to deservedly reach an ever wider audience. 

Ragtimeplays at New York City Center until 10 November 2024. For tickets, click here.

Photos: Joan Marcus

Watch selected highlights of Ragtime::