REVIVAL OF RAGTIME STUNS WITH STELLAR CAST AND POWERFUL STORY
By Kiersten Bjork (February 28, 2026)
Ragtime is back and better than ever! Now playing at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater, the Broadway revival of Ragtime absolutely soars with a phenomenal cast telling this important, powerful story.
Featuring a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and original orchestrations by William David Brohn, Ragtime is based on the novel of the same name by E.L. Doctorow. It follows three different families in the early 20th century as they pursue–or attempt to pursue–the American Dream: a wealthy white family consisting of Mother, Father, Mother’s Younger Brother, the Little Boy, and Grandfather; Black pianist Coalhouse Walker, Jr. and Sarah, the woman he loves; and an immigrant Jewish father, Tateh, and his daughter, the Little Girl. As the world advances around them, the three groups intertwine, their stories overlapping and connecting following an important turn of events, as the musical explores what America is, what it is thought to be, and what it is hoped to be.
Lear deBessonet directs the new production at the Beaumont, with James Moore as music director, and truly delivers an exceptional piece. From the direction to the choreography by Ellenore Scott, the cast to the design, this production elevates the story in a way that shines a light on each and every facet. It draws you in, using the space to its fullest extent, while also feeling incredibly intimate and personal. The choreography is very strong, and I particularly loved the movement for “Henry Ford.”
Ragtime is back and better than ever! Now playing at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater, the Broadway revival of Ragtime absolutely soars with a phenomenal cast telling this important, powerful story.
Featuring a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and original orchestrations by William David Brohn, Ragtime is based on the novel of the same name by E.L. Doctorow. It follows three different families in the early 20th century as they pursue–or attempt to pursue–the American Dream: a wealthy white family consisting of Mother, Father, Mother’s Younger Brother, the Little Boy, and Grandfather; Black pianist Coalhouse Walker, Jr. and Sarah, the woman he loves; and an immigrant Jewish father, Tateh, and his daughter, the Little Girl. As the world advances around them, the three groups intertwine, their stories overlapping and connecting following an important turn of events, as the musical explores what America is, what it is thought to be, and what it is hoped to be.
Lear deBessonet directs the new production at the Beaumont, with James Moore as music director, and truly delivers an exceptional piece. From the direction to the choreography by Ellenore Scott, the cast to the design, this production elevates the story in a way that shines a light on each and every facet. It draws you in, using the space to its fullest extent, while also feeling incredibly intimate and personal. The choreography is very strong, and I particularly loved the movement for “Henry Ford.”
Joshua Henry and the cast of Ragtime at Lincoln Center (Matthew Murphy)
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Caissie Levy and Brandon Uranowitz in Ragtime at Lincoln Center (Matthew Murphy)
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Joshua Henry is delivering an incredible performance as Coalhouse Walker, Jr. He gives us power and poise, ferocity and control, all blended into a stunning rendition of a complicated character that has audiences leaping to their feet at the curtain call.
Likewise, Caissie Levy as Mother is a masterclass in controlled strength and passionate delivery. Her vocal and character work are breathtaking, and there is such an honesty to her portrayal of Mother that resonates deeply.
As Tateh, Brandon Uranowitz shows off impressive range, bringing tears to our eyes in one moment, and a smile to our faces in the next. His Tateh is playful yet sad, proud yet hurting. It’s a beautiful performance, and each moment that he shares with Ellie May Sennett as the Little Girl is touching. Sennett is a delight.
Colin Donnell stands tall as Father, commanding the room in every way. His imposing presence and strong voice serve the role well. Nicholas Barrón was on in the track of Mother’s Younger Brother at the performance I attended, though the role is usually played by Ben Levi Ross. Barrón shines as the lovestruck young man, endearing in his eagerness, before shifting into a dedicated passion for the cause. Tom Nellis nails the gruff Grandfather role, and Nick Barrington is clever and dynamic as the Little Boy.
Nichelle Lewis has the audience hanging on her every word as Sarah. “Your Daddy’s Son” was phenomenal–truly a stellar example of building a song up and making magic via musical storytelling. Lewis’ Sarah is one of my favorite parts of the show!
Likewise, Caissie Levy as Mother is a masterclass in controlled strength and passionate delivery. Her vocal and character work are breathtaking, and there is such an honesty to her portrayal of Mother that resonates deeply.
As Tateh, Brandon Uranowitz shows off impressive range, bringing tears to our eyes in one moment, and a smile to our faces in the next. His Tateh is playful yet sad, proud yet hurting. It’s a beautiful performance, and each moment that he shares with Ellie May Sennett as the Little Girl is touching. Sennett is a delight.
Colin Donnell stands tall as Father, commanding the room in every way. His imposing presence and strong voice serve the role well. Nicholas Barrón was on in the track of Mother’s Younger Brother at the performance I attended, though the role is usually played by Ben Levi Ross. Barrón shines as the lovestruck young man, endearing in his eagerness, before shifting into a dedicated passion for the cause. Tom Nellis nails the gruff Grandfather role, and Nick Barrington is clever and dynamic as the Little Boy.
Nichelle Lewis has the audience hanging on her every word as Sarah. “Your Daddy’s Son” was phenomenal–truly a stellar example of building a song up and making magic via musical storytelling. Lewis’ Sarah is one of my favorite parts of the show!
Anna Grace Barlow and the cast of Ragtime at Lincoln Center (Matthew Murphy)
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Nick Barrington, Rodd Cyrus, and the cast of Ragtime at Lincoln Center (Matthew Murphy)
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Emma Goldman, the Russian-born activist and anarchist, was played by Julie Benko (stepping into the role for Shaina Taub, who will return to the production at the end of March), who–despite the seriousness of the role–does have great fun with it. She shouts and rages, mourns and commiserates–all the while giving us the honesty of speaking truth to power.
Anna Grace Barlow is a joy as vaudeville star Evelyn Nesbit, giggling and kicking her feet on the iconic swing.
As Booker T. Washington, John Clay III is stoic, yet stern. He gives us a Washington who is genuine, concerned, passionate, and dedicated. Rodd Cyrus is excellent as Harry Houdini, a tired yet proud artist trying to understand the shouting of the Little Boy.
Ragtime is elevated by the incredible ensemble that tells this story, including Lauren Blackman, Allison Blackwell, Briana Carlson-Goodman, Jordan Chin, Billy Cohen, Rheaume Crenshaw, Ellie Fishman, Jason Forbach, Ta’Nika Gibson, David Jennings, Marina Kondo, Morgan Marcell, Kent Overshown, Kayla Pecchioni, John Rapson, Deandre Sevon, Jacob Keith Watson, and Alan Wiggins. Swings include Eean Sherrod Cochran (dance captain), Ben Cherry, Kerry Conte, Brandon LaVar, Jenny Mollet, Matthew Scott, and Allysa Shorte.
Blackwell has a stunning feature as Sarah’s friend, and Forbach and Rapson gives strong performances as Henry Ford and J.P. Morgan. Watson is wonderfully awful as Willie Conklin, the cruel leader of the crimes perpetrated against Coalhouse. Kane Emmanuel Miller is absolutely adorable as Coalhouse Walker III.
Anna Grace Barlow is a joy as vaudeville star Evelyn Nesbit, giggling and kicking her feet on the iconic swing.
As Booker T. Washington, John Clay III is stoic, yet stern. He gives us a Washington who is genuine, concerned, passionate, and dedicated. Rodd Cyrus is excellent as Harry Houdini, a tired yet proud artist trying to understand the shouting of the Little Boy.
Ragtime is elevated by the incredible ensemble that tells this story, including Lauren Blackman, Allison Blackwell, Briana Carlson-Goodman, Jordan Chin, Billy Cohen, Rheaume Crenshaw, Ellie Fishman, Jason Forbach, Ta’Nika Gibson, David Jennings, Marina Kondo, Morgan Marcell, Kent Overshown, Kayla Pecchioni, John Rapson, Deandre Sevon, Jacob Keith Watson, and Alan Wiggins. Swings include Eean Sherrod Cochran (dance captain), Ben Cherry, Kerry Conte, Brandon LaVar, Jenny Mollet, Matthew Scott, and Allysa Shorte.
Blackwell has a stunning feature as Sarah’s friend, and Forbach and Rapson gives strong performances as Henry Ford and J.P. Morgan. Watson is wonderfully awful as Willie Conklin, the cruel leader of the crimes perpetrated against Coalhouse. Kane Emmanuel Miller is absolutely adorable as Coalhouse Walker III.
John Clay III and the cast of Ragtime at Lincoln Center (Matthew Murphy)
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Shaina Taub and the cast of Ragtime at Lincoln Center (Matthew Murphy)
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Scenic designer David Korins leaves the stage mostly open, allowing the large ensemble plenty of room for blocking and choreography. Different scenic elements are added as needed for the numerous locations, from the ship stairs to Tateh’s cart, Evelyn’s swing to Coalhouse’s piano.
Adam Honoré and Donald Holder’s lighting design paints stunning visuals with light and color, filling the space with shadow and spotlights to elevate the storytelling. Projections by 59 Studios adds to the world of the show with beautiful elements against the upstage wall. Sound design by Kai Harada is strong throughout, with a solid balance.
Costumes by designer Linda Cho are gorgeous, capturing both the time period and the different characters’ personalities and worlds. Hair and wigs by Tom Watson are likewise very well done.
Adam Honoré and Donald Holder’s lighting design paints stunning visuals with light and color, filling the space with shadow and spotlights to elevate the storytelling. Projections by 59 Studios adds to the world of the show with beautiful elements against the upstage wall. Sound design by Kai Harada is strong throughout, with a solid balance.
Costumes by designer Linda Cho are gorgeous, capturing both the time period and the different characters’ personalities and worlds. Hair and wigs by Tom Watson are likewise very well done.
Joshua Henry and Nichelle Lewis in Ragtime at Lincoln Center (Matthew Murphy)
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Brandon Uranowitz and the cast of Ragtime at Lincoln Center (Matthew Murphy)
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Ragtime is always a powerful show, and in today’s climate, it feels even more relevant and timely than ever before. The Broadway revival bursts off the stage with music, color, and light. The performers telling this story are delivering an exceptional show, and I cannot recommend it enough. Do yourself a favor, and grab a ticket before the limited run comes to an end.
Ragtime is now playing at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater. Learn more and purchase tickets at lct.org/shows/ragtime. Production photography is by Matthew Murphy.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Ragtime is now playing at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater. Learn more and purchase tickets at lct.org/shows/ragtime. Production photography is by Matthew Murphy.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.