'Ragtime' Review: Broadway Revival Falls Short but Shines with Stunning Vocals

A New Take on a Classic: “Ragtime” Revival at the Vivian Beaumont Theater

The latest revival of Ragtime, currently playing at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, is a bold attempt to revisit one of the most ambitious musicals of the 1990s. At two hours and 45 minutes, with one intermission, the production has been stripped down from its original grandeur, aiming to focus more on the music, lyrics, and story. However, this reduction has exposed some of the show’s long-standing weaknesses.

The original 1996 musical by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, and Terrence McNally was known for its sprawling narrative and elaborate staging. The current revival, while attempting to streamline the experience, ends up feeling less cohesive. Much of the complex plot—centered on the convergence of whites, blacks, and European immigrants in early 20th-century New York—is conveyed through a series of narrations that feel overly simplistic and lack emotional depth. This approach leaves the audience struggling to keep up with the story, especially when the set design is minimal and the pacing is fast.

The score, which includes iconic songs like “Wheels of a Dream” and “Make Them Hear You,” is still powerful. But when performed in a vast, empty theater, these numbers often feel disconnected from the narrative. The lack of visual context makes it difficult for the audience to engage emotionally with the characters or the events unfolding on stage.

Despite these challenges, the cast delivers a performance that is nothing short of extraordinary. Caissie Levy shines as Mother, bringing a mix of strength and vulnerability to her role. Ben Levi Ross, as Mother’s Younger Brother, offers a grounded and compelling portrayal, while Joshua Henry steals the show as Coalhouse Walker. His voice is both commanding and emotive, making his performances feel like a true highlight of the production.

The story itself is a dense tapestry of interconnected lives. It follows the calm life of a white family in New Rochelle, whose world is upended by the arrival of a black baby found in their garden. This event sets off a chain of events that intertwines the lives of various characters, including Sarah, the mother of the child, and Coalhouse, who is determined to win her back. The narrative also explores the struggles of Latvian Jewish immigrant Tateh and his daughter, adding another layer to the story’s complexity.

Real-life figures such as Harry Houdini, Emma Goldman, and Henry Ford are woven into the story, serving as side dishes to the main narrative. While these characters add historical context, they do not always feel integral to the central themes of the musical. The story moves quickly, with rapid-fire events in the second act that can leave the audience feeling overwhelmed rather than engaged.

The production’s direction, led by Lear deBessonet, has been met with mixed reactions. While the cast is undeniably strong, the staging feels somewhat static. The actors struggle to connect with each other, and the lack of visual storytelling makes the experience feel less immersive. DeBessonet’s vision for the show appears to be more about showcasing the talent than creating a cohesive theatrical experience.

Nichelle Lewis, in her role as Sarah, brings a certain level of intensity to the performance, though she occasionally falls short of fully capturing the character’s emotional depth. Her performance of “Your Daddy’s Son” is particularly underwhelming. In contrast, Joshua Henry’s Coalhouse is a standout, with his powerful voice and heartfelt delivery making the character unforgettable.

Ultimately, the revival of Ragtime is a mixed bag. While the cast delivers exceptional performances, the production’s reduced scale and lack of visual storytelling leave much to be desired. The show may not have the same impact as it did in its original form, but it remains a testament to the power of great acting and music. As the cast sings “Make Them Hear You,” it becomes clear that, despite its flaws, this version of Ragtime is still worth experiencing.