![]() ![]() There’s the successful Harlem pianist Coalhouse Walker Jr. Meanwhile, her Younger Brother (played by Jacob French) searches for meaning in life beyond hedonistic vaudeville entertainment. There’s the upper-class white family, anchored by Mother (played by Abby Rice), who experiences independence for the first time when her husband leaves on an expedition to the North Pole. The plot weaves together the lives of three families living in New York in 1906. The score draws influences from Broadway pop, gospel, klezmer, operetta, vaudeville, and of course, ragtime. Although it lost the coveted Best Musical award to “The Lion King,” it continues to be a crowd favorite, largely due to its iconic score with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. ![]() Doctorow’s 1975 novel, the musical was nominated for 13 Tony Awards when it premiered on Broadway in 1998. “Ragtime” belongs to the same category of ambitious, epic musicals as “Les Misérables,” with its huge cast, sprawling storytelling, and show-stopping ballads. Opening night was sold out to an enthusiastic crowd, and an extra performance has already been added on May 21 to accommodate high ticket demand. Now it’s finally onstage, and it was well worth the wait. The production, directed by Esther Winter, was supposed to be announced in 2020 but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ![]() During the JCC CenterStage’s finely staged production, playing through May 21, audience members can decide if that’s a testimony to the musical as a work of art, or a reflection of how little has changed in over 100 years of American history. Police brutality, labor strikes, celebrity obsession–the musical “Ragtime” always seems to be relevant. ![]()
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