Broadway’s latest success, Ragtime, based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow, is currently playing at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater. The revival originally played off-Broadway at New York City Center in Oct. and Nov. 2024, with most of the cast returning for the revival’s Broadway transfer. The show opened on Oct. 16, 2025 and was originally only supposed to play until Jan. 4, but due to the show’s popular demand, it was extended to June 14, 2026.
Originally premiering on Broadway in 1998, Ragtime tells the story of an upper-class white family from New Rochelle, a Jewish immigrant family living in the tenements of the Lower East Side of New York City, and a black couple from Harlem in the early 1900s, with their stories intersecting through historical anecdotes. The highlights of the show include its score, orchestrations, direction, and performances. The leads of the production, Joshua Henry (Coalhouse Walker Jr.), Caissie Levy (Mother), and Brandon Uranowitz (Tateh) all give award-worthy performances in their respective roles. The story is interwoven with interactions between the characters and historical figures, such as Harry Houdini (Rodd Cyrus), Evelyn Nesbit (Anna Grace Barlow), Booker T. Washington (John Clay III), and Emma Goldman (Shaina Taub).
Many audience members believe that Ragtime as a novel and a musical is especially important to witness today, as many of the issues discussed in the book have appeared in recent news, such as economic inequality, racism, immigration, police brutality, and the pursuit of the American dream. While the story takes place over 100 years ago, the themes still take on a meaning outside of the show.
Senior students who are currently enrolled in AP Literature had the opportunity to go see the show in Nov. after reading the novel last year in AP Language and Composition. Students saw a matinee performance, closely following the plotline of the novel.
“Ragtime was perfect. Every single detail was perfect. The lyrics, the set, the blocking, the choreography- It’s really a must-see show and is so relevant to the time that it was made and today. It’s just a masterpiece all together that keeps and adds to the literary merit and impact of the book,” said senior Roberto Saravia.
Audience members have given an overwhelmingly positive response to the show, with its impactful story and powerful message. Ragtime’s relevance to the current events of today make the show all the more impactful, and introduces a new generation to a Broadway classic that still remains significant today.