Ragtime 1996

Ages: 6+
Opened: December 8, 1996
Closing: unknown

Ragtime - 1996 - Canada History , Info & More

Based on the novel by E. L. Doctorow

Called by Time Magazine "A triumph for the stage," and by the International Herald Tribune "the best musical in twenty years," this acclaimed musical won 1998 Tony Awards for Best Score, Book and Orchestrations, and won both the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical and Best Score. RAGTIME is not only a powerful portrait of life in turn-of-the-century America, but a relevant tale for today. Written by the award-winning composer/lyricist team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens ("Once On This Island," "Seussical," "Lucky Stiff"), noted playwright Terrence McNally, ("Kiss of the Spider Woman", "Master Class"), and based on E.L. Doctorow's distinguished novel, the musical intertwines the stories of three extraordinary families, as they confront history's timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America. The Tony-winning score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty is just as diverse as the melting pot of America itself. It draws upon many musical styles from the ragtime rhythms of Harlem and Tin Pan Alley to the klezmer of the Lower East Side, from bold brass band marches to delicate waltzes, from up-tempo banjo tunes to period parlor songs and expansive anthems.



Featured are such show stopping songs as "Getting Ready Rag," "Your Daddy’s Son," "Wheels of a Dream," "Till We Reach That Day," "Back To Before," and "Make Them Hear You." This thrilling musical is sure to inspire actors and audiences alike! Book by Terrence McNally; music by Stephen Flaherty; lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Presented by Mesa Encore Theatre at the Farnsworth Studio.

Get Ragtime Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

Interview: Tricia Corcoran of RAGTIME at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
by Andrea Stephenson - Apr 9, 2024


Ragtime, based on the 1975 novel by E. L. Doctorow, premiered in Toronto in 1996 before opening on Broadway in 1998. The musical, by Terrance McNally, Stephen Flaherty, and Lynn Ahrens, tells the story of the United States in the early 20th century, focusing on the experiences and tensions that existed (and still exist) between different groups of people. It is a beautiful, thoughtful, and thought-provoking show, and audiences can experience it on stage at Dutch Apple through May 12th. Tricia Corcoran, who portrays Emma Goldman, spoke with BroadwayWorld about this production of Ragtime.

Krysta Rodriguez & More to Perform at Signature Theatre Gala Honoring Nathan Lane
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 27, 2024


On April 29, 2024, Signature Theatre will honor icon of stage and screen Nathan Lane with the company’s thirteenth Stephen Sondheim Award. Learn more!

Meet the Cast of THE WIZ, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 29, 2024


The Wiz is beginning previews on Broadway tonight, March 29, following its pre-Broadway national tour! Meet the cast of The Wiz here!

Update: All Broadway Lights to Be Dimmed for Hinton Battle
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 2, 2024


On March 12, 2024, the Committee of Theatre Owners will dim all the lights of Broadway theatres in New York for one minute at exactly 6:45pm, in his honor.

Broadway Theatres Will Dim Lights in Memory of Hinton Battle
by Stephi Wild - Mar 1, 2024


The Broadway community will honor the memory of Hinton Battle on March 12 by dimming the lights of Broadway theatres.

Interview: Audra McDonald talks about AN EVENING WITH AUDRA MCDONALD, her role in 'Rustin' and more
by R. Scott Reedy - Feb 23, 2024


When it comes to concerts, Audra McDonald says she’s learned to choose a song list that really appeals to her. And she’s done just that for her current tour, which will bring her to Symphony Hall for her eighth appearance with the Celebrity Series of Boston, this time with an orchestra of local musicians, on February 27.

Applications Now Open for Philadelphia Theatre Company's 2024 Terrance McNally Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2024


Applications are open through February 12 for Philadelphia Theatre Company’s 2024 Terrence McNally Award. Find out how to apply!

George Street Playhouse Presents HAVING OUR SAY - Previews Begin November 28
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 20, 2023


George Street Playhouse presents Having Our Say, the Tony Award-nominated play by Emily Mann (A Streetcar Named Desire, Anna and the Tropics). Having Our Say is adapted from the book by Sarah (Sadie) L. Delany & A. Elizabeth (Bessie) Delany with Amy Hill Hearth and is directed by Laiona Michelle (Her Portmanteau).

Every Broadway Actor in THE GILDED AGE Season Two
by Michael Major - Nov 19, 2023


The Gilded Age has returned for season two with a fresh lineup of Broadway stars! The first season of Julian Fellowes' series featured over 60 Broadway alums, including Audra McDonald, Nathan Lane, Cynthia Nixon, and more. Check out which faces you recognize from the theatre, including new additions like Laura Benanti and Jeremy Shamos.

IT'S ONLY A PLAY, McNally's Hit Comedy, to Take the Stage at The City Theatre Company This Month
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 4, 2023


The City Theatre Company will continue its 2023 fall theatre season with Terrence McNally's side-splitting Broadway comedy salute It's Only a Play. Learn how to purchase tickets!

The Company Theatre to Bring Stephen King's MISERY to the Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2023


Get ready for a spine-tingling performance as The Company Theatre presents Stephen King's 'Misery.' Follow the gripping tale of renowned author Paul Sheldon and his disturbing encounter with his number one fan, Annie Wilkes. Don't miss this iconic psychological thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Find showtimes and ticket information at The Company Theatre's website.

LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! Kicks Off Island City Stage's 12th Season
by Stephi Wild - Sep 7, 2023


 Love! Valour! Compassion! - Terrence McNally's most honored and celebrated play about eight gay friends who spend the holidays over one summer at one's beautiful hundred-year-old house in upstate New York, kicks off Island City Stage’s 12th season. Learn more about the production here!

Cast and Creatives Set For Pearl Cleage's SOMETHING MOVING: A MEDITATION ON MAYNARD at Ford's Theatre Society
by Stephi Wild - Aug 3, 2023


Ford's Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault today announced the cast and creative team for the world premiere of Pearl Cleage's Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard, directed by Seema Sueko (Silent Sky).

Ensemble Cast Revealed For THE WIZ Ahead of National Tour and Broadway Run
by Stephi Wild - Aug 2, 2023


The complete ensemble cast has been announced for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz! The casting comes in advance of the musical's national tour, which kicks off this fall before returning to Broadway in the Spring of 2024.

RENT and More Set For Bergen County Players 2023-24 Season
by Stephi Wild - Jul 20, 2023


The Bergen County Players, one of America's longest-running little theater companies, is proud to announce its 2023/24 season with an ambitious, joyous, and playful year of audience-pleasing musicals and innovative plays for its 91st season.

Full Cast and Creative Team Set For LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at the Muny
by Stephi Wild - Jul 14, 2023


The Muny has announced its full cast, design and production teams for the cult classic, Little Shop of Horrors, July 25 - 31. 

Who Will Win at the 2023 Tony Awards?
by Team BWW - Jun 9, 2023


Which Best Musical and Best Play nominees will take home the ultimate prize at the 2023 Tony Awards? We're breaking it down.

Interview: Eric Sciotto And Brian J. Marcum of ROCK OF AGES at Music Theatre Wichita
by Paula Makar - Jun 1, 2023


On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, I had the excellent opportunity to sit down with Eric Sciotto, Director and Choreographer of Rock of Ages at MTWichita, and Brian J. Marcum, Artistic Director at MTWichita. It was a wide ranging interview, with a very stream of consciousness feel, and they were gracious enough to grant me an hour over a lunch break during rehearsal last Tuesday. The energy was high, and I was able to get some excellent insight into Eric’s choreographic process. I also spoke to Brian about leading MTWichita into a new era.

Counting Up the Tony Awards Already Won by the 2023 Nominees!
by Team BWW - Jun 10, 2023


The 2023 Tony nominees are already winners... literally. For some, this marks their first nomination, but others have already won Tony Awards in seasons past. We took a look at which nominees have won at least a Tony or two (or seven!) - amongst them, they've gathered a total 79 awards!

Interview: Jason Danieley Stages RAGTIME: THE SYMPHONIC CONCERT For Boston Pops
by R. Scott Reedy - May 9, 2023


Popular Broadway performer Jason Danieley will stage 'Ragtime: The Symphonic Concert with the Boston Pops May 12-13 at Boston's Symphony Hall, and July 8 at Tanglewood in Lenox, MA.

Robin De Jesús, Patti Murin, and More Will Lead LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at The Muny
by Stephi Wild - May 8, 2023


The Muny has announced that three-time Tony nominated actor Robin De Jesús, Patti Murin, Michael McGrath, Ryan Vasquez and Nicholas Ward will star in the comedy to die for, Little Shop of Horrors, July 25-31, 2023.

Al Hirschfeld Exhibition Extended Through Late June at The Museum of Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 1, 2023


The Museum of Broadway's inaugural special exhibit, The American Theatre As Seen by Hirschfeld, has been extended by popular demand.

Scott Barrow, Kathleen Chalfant & More to Star in HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES at Shakespeare Theatre Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 12, 2023


Shakespeare Theatre Company has announced the cast and creative team for the upcoming production of Tectonic Theater Project's Here There Are Blueberries. 

James Monroe Iglehart-Directed SPELLING BEE And More Announced For TheatreWorks Silicon Valley 53rd Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 10, 2023


TheatreWorks Silicon Valley has announced its 53rd season to be presented October 2023 through June 2024.

A Guide to Broadway Guest Stars on BLUE BLOODS
by Michael Major - Feb 20, 2023


While the series' recurring cast includes Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan, Donnie Wahlberg, and more, guest stars have included Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, Joanna Gleason, Adrienne Warren, Jinkx Monsoon, Norm Lewis, Norbert Leo Butz, and more. Check out a list of Broadway guest stars on Blue Bloods now!

Videos