Ragtime

Telling the story of America

Telling the story of America in the early twentieth century, Ragtime charts the intersection of three groups of people in the USA, the African-Americans, the upper-class suburbanites, and the Eastern Europeans. Showing the struggles each one of them faces when their different communities collide, Ragtime delves into the question of race, politics, class and gender politics in this moving and eye-opening musical.

With a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens Ragtime ran for two years of Broadway when it initially opened in 1998. Nominated for 13 Tony awards and winning four, Ragtime became a standout work where societal issues were explored on stage.

About Ragtime

Following three diverse families as they pursue the American dream in the swirling "melting pot" of 20th century New York. Ragtime confronts the contradictions in American reality. Where rich and poor collide, freedom and prejudice struggle against each other and hope and despair travel the same course, Ragtime represents it all.

Throughout the show, the worlds of a wealthy suburban white couple, a Jewish immigrant and an African American ragtime musician intertwine, resulting in the discovery of surprising interconnections the limitations of justice and the consequences of where prejudice stands in the way of dreams. With many of the prolific historical figures that shaped the era all featured, Ragtime tells the story of America, the good, the bad and of course the ragtime.