RAGTIME - New York City Centre (09/11/24)

In such a politically contentious period as this one, it seems pertinent that we look to history in order to find a degree of solace, to at least remind ourselves of how far we have come. And though this is certainly true of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens' seminal work “Ragtime”, it is also very much a wake up call to America’s ugly history of fractured race relations and frosty attitudes towards immigration, which today seem more relevant than ever

Ragtime presents a vision of turn of the century New York that very much doesn’t shy away in its portrayals of racism or discrimination, with three different social and ethnic groups intermingling in various manners; attitudes, language and all are fully unabridged in their presentation and execution, which makes for truly profound, at times uncomfortable viewing. All told through Flaherty and Ahrens’ divine, ragtime influenced score and lyrics that ground this musical masterfully.

Joshua Henry and the company of Ragtime (credit: Joan Marcus)

It was an unequivocal privilege to behold such a marvellously talented company, Joshua Henry gives a full bodied vocal performance as Coalhouse, putting his absolute heart and soul into his portrayal. Caissie Levy is utterly resplendent, playing the role of mother with solemnity and conviction, and Brandon Uranowitz delights and astounds as Tateh. Additionally we have Nichelle Lewis as Sarah, who gave perhaps the most emotionally charged, and undeniably gut wrenching performances of the night, her rendition of "Your Daddy's Son" in act 1 brought the whole auditorium to tears.

So many of the performances were deserving of immense adulation, Shaina Taub giving a gutsy, steadfast portrayal of Emma Goldman, and Stephanie Styles delivered laughs galore whenever she took to the stage as showgirl Evelyn. The ensemble treat us to some of the most stirring, beautiful harmonies you will ever hear on stage, the respective finales of each act sent chills down every spine in the room, with a distinct degree of irony given the social and racial disharmony on display on stage. And how fantastic to see such a full, resonant orchestra accompanying everything exquisitely, and in full view for the entirety of the show.

The company of Ragtime (credit: Joan Marcus)

Ragtime’s story and overriding message are not for the faint of heart, however in this day and age very much need expressing, and such is the strength of the narrative, as well as the quality of the book, score and lyrics, and tragic beauty of the storytelling and performances on stage, that the creative under-embellishment that often accompanies a concert staging did nothing to detract from the sheer rawness or emotional magnitude of this quite extraordinary piece of theatre.

★★★★★

Ragtime was a New York City Centre Encores! production, that ran from 30th of October - 10th of November

{PR/Gifted tickets}