Musical Spotlight: Ragtime

The stage comes alive with a lively piano. We see people from different backgrounds coming together: a white family from New Rochelle, a Black pianist from Harlem, and a Jewish immigrant with his daughter. This is Ragtime, a musical that asks an important question: Who gets to belong in America?

Unlike recent spotlights on royal romances, Ragtime dives into busy streets and tells real stories. It shows how hope faces tough history. The music carries both joy and pain, capturing a rich American experience.

This musical comes from a talented team. Stephen Flaherty creates the music, Lynn Ahrens writes the lyrics, and Terrence McNally pens the book. They adapted E. L. Doctorow’s novel, weaving real people like Booker T. Washington and Emma Goldman into a narrative that tests the American promise and reveals who gets included as the country evolves (Ahrens & Flaherty).

Ragtime had its first performances in Toronto and Los Angeles before reaching Broadway at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts. Directed by Frank Galati, with musical staging by Graciela Daniele, it became a landmark musical, winning four Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score (Tony Awards).

The story follows three main threads. In New Rochelle, a woman named Mother learns to be brave as her life changes. In Harlem, Coalhouse Walker, Jr., faces a cruel act of racism that shatters his peace. He transforms his pain into calls for justice. Meanwhile, Tateh, a Jewish immigrant, builds a new life in America, struggling to find a place in the film industry. By the end, their lives intertwine, showing that family can stretch beyond race and class.

The score of Ragtime is both powerful and moving. The rhythms of ragtime propel the story, while marches and lyrical ballads reveal deep emotions. Critics praised how the show balances grand spectacle with intimate moments, creating a tapestry of history where personal stories shine (The New York Times).

Many songs from Ragtime have become classics in the musical theatre repertoire. The opening prologue, “Ragtime,” sets the stage for the show's themes. “Your Daddy’s Son” allows Sarah to express her pain, while “Wheels of a Dream” paints a hopeful future. Additionally, “Make Them Hear You” calls for action, and “Back to Before” reminds us of the importance of progress.

The original Broadway cast featured talented actors like Brian Stokes Mitchell as Coalhouse and Audra McDonald as Sarah (Ahrens & Flaherty). A notable revival started at the Kennedy Center and moved to Broadway, receiving acclaim for its clarity and vision, despite a brief run. The show's return is a testament to its lasting questions about identity and inclusion.

At its heart, Ragtime tackles themes of race, immigration, and labor. It doesn’t shy away from harsh realities but also shows where hope exists: in new families, art, and voices united on stage. This message feels especially urgent today as discussions about belonging continue in America. The musical does not provide easy answers but encourages audiences to listen and reflect.

For actors and educators, Ragtime is a rich source of material. Songs like “Make Them Hear You” stress clarity and emotional truth, while “Back to Before” captures a character’s journey. Choosing specific sections for auditions is important and can show both change and release.

In the classroom, the show can be used to examine how motifs change when sung by different characters. Discussions can explore the contrasts between optimism in “New Music” and sorrow in “’Til We Reach That Day.” This deepens empathy and listening skills.

Ragtime endures because it merges spectacle with personal stories, capturing a nation in motion. As the final chords play, one question lingers: Who gets to belong, and how can we make room for everyone?

Citations: (Ahrens & Flaherty); (Tony Awards); (The New York Times).