Ragtime 1998

Ages: 6+
Opened: January 18, 1998
Closing: January 16, 2000

Ragtime - 1998 - Broadway History , Info & More

Ford Center for the Performing Arts
213 W. 42nd St. New York, NY 10036

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.


Ragtime - 1998 - Broadway Cast

Get Ragtime Email Alerts

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

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!

Ashley Blanchet, Ben Crawford, and More Will Lead BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at The Muny
by Stephi Wild - Apr 27, 2023


The Muny has announced that Ashley Blanchet, Ben Crawford, Claybourne Elder, Ann Harada, Kelvin Moon Loh, Eric Jordan Young, Holly Ann Butler, Tommy Bracco, Harrison White, Debby Lennon and Michael Hobin will star in the magical production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, June 22 - 30, 2023.

Counting Off the Tony Awards Already Won by the 2020 Nominees!
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 25, 2021


The 2020 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 of 42 awards!

Theater Stories: HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK & More About The Lyric Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 28, 2021


Today's Theater Stories features the Lyric Theatre! Learn about the history of the Lyric Theatre, and the shows to have graced its stage including Jesus Christ Superstar, The Pirate Queen, Young Frankenstein, Spiderman: Turn off the Dark, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and more.

Exclusive: Audra McDonald Sings 'Down With Love' as Part of The Seth Concert Series; Re-Airs Today at 3pm
by Stephi Wild - Jul 13, 2020


Seth Rudetsky's internationally acclaimed Broadway concert series that first began in Provincetown at The Art House in 2011 is now a weekly virtual series titled The Seth Concert Series.

Ahrens & Flaherty's KNOXVILLE World Premiere to Feature Jason Danieley, Hannah Elless, and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 5, 2020


Asolo Repertory Theatre will present the world premiere of KNOXVILLE, a new musical by Frank Galati, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, opening April 10 (with previews starting April 3). The musical reunites the Tony Award®-winning creative team behind Broadway's Ragtime (1998). Frank Galati, an Asolo Rep associate artist, also directs the production, which will run through April 25. The world premiere of KNOXVILLE is made possible by a generous grant from The Roy Cockrum Foundation.

English National Opera And London Musical Theatre Orchestra Announce A CHRISTMAS CAROL Collaboration
by Stephi Wild - Dec 16, 2019


English National Opera (ENO) today announces A Christmas Carol, a festive spectacular in collaboration with London Musical Theatre Orchestra (LMTO).

Jason Danieley Pens Touching Tribute to Marin Mazzie: 'She Got Out of Life All That She Could'
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 18, 2018


Mazzie's husband, fellow Broadway veteran Jason Danieley, has just penned an emotional tribute to his wife of almost 21 years. 

UPDATE: Broadway Theatres Will Dim Lights For Marin Mazzie Tomorrow, September 19
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 18, 2018


UPDATE: The Broadway League has just announced that the dimming will now take place on Wednesday, September 19 at 6:45pm, to 'support and accommodate her family who are unable to attend on Friday.'

All Broadway Theatres To Dim Lights For Marin Mazzie September 19
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 17, 2018


The Broadway community mourns the loss of Tony Award nominee and Theater Hall of Fame inductee Marin Mazzie, who passed away last Thursday, September 13 at age 57.

Six Broadway Theatres To Dim Lights For Marin Mazzie September 19th
by Alan Henry - Sep 14, 2018


Today, we're remembering some of Marin's greatest performances. Re-live her performances of these iconic songs in the videos below.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts Presents AN EVENING WITH AUDRA MCDONALD
by Rebecca Russo - Sep 1, 2017


Tony, Grammy and Emmy winning star Audra McDonald returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts for an up close and personal concert on Friday, May 11, 2018 in the Rene?e and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Accompanied by her trio, McDonald will bring her vivacious personality and artistry to hit show tunes, classic film songs and selections written expressly for her by many of today's leading composers. The New York Times wrote of her Carnegie Hall concert, "That sense of excitement, in which she tugs a song forward emotionally, is inherent in the quickness and tang of her vibrato, as though feelings are pouring out of her almost faster than they can be reined in."

Tony Award Countdown: 30 Years In 30 Days, Cyndi Lauper's History-Making KINKY BOOTS Win, 2013
by Michael Dale - Jun 10, 2016


Cynd iLauper is the first woman to win the Tony for Best Score without a male partner.

Audra McDonald Shares Emmy Win with SWEENEY TODD (LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER) for Outstanding Special Class Program
by Sally Henry - Sep 12, 2015


Live From Lincoln Center's telecast of SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET has won the Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Program. Therefore, six-time Tony Award-winner McDonald, is now just an Oscar Award away from the coveted 'EGOT' distinction.

VIDEO: Audra McDonald and Will Swenson Sing LAVERNE AND SHIRLEY Theme Song
by Sally Henry - Aug 2, 2015


Broadway husband and wife Will Swenson and Audra McDonald recently filmed themselves singing a seemingly random duet- the theme song from the hit '70s show LAVERNE AND SHIRLEY. Check out the fun a capella performance, made for Broadway Sleepout, below!

Audra McDonald Reacts to Passing of RAGTIME Author E.L. Doctorow; Watch Her Performance in Musical
by Caryn Robbins - Jul 22, 2015


Audra McDonald, who starred in the role of 'Sarah' in the original Broadway production of RAGTIME, for which she earned her third Tony Award, turned to Twitter to express her sorrow over today's news. 

VIDEO: Audra McDonald Lends Her Singing Voice in Disney Jr's DOC MCSTUFFINS
by Caryn Robbins - Jul 22, 2015


Audra McDonald lends her voice to a tiny tin airplane pilot named Bess, a historical toy created in the likeness of the famous African-American female pilot, Bessie Coleman

STAGE TUBE: Audra McDonald Performs 'Rainbow High' from EVITA at Carnegie Hall
by Stage Tube - Apr 30, 2015


Audra McDonald brought her Broadway prowess to Carnegie Hall last night, April 29, 2015 and performed 'Rainbow High' from Andrew Lloyd Webber's EVITA -- a role she first took on at the age of 16 in Fresno, Calif. Watch a clip of her fierce performance below!

Tony Winner Audra McDonald Performs Tonight at Carnegie Hall
by BWW News Desk - Apr 29, 2015


Audra McDonald performs tonight, April 29, 2015 in Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage. She will be joined by music director and pianist Andy Einhorn, bassist Mark Vanderpoel, and drummer Gene Lewin.

Six-Time Tony Winner Audra McDonald Returning to Van Wezel, 3/22
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 2, 2015


The mesmerizing songstress Audra McDonald, will grace the Van Wezel stage on March 22, 2015 at 7:00pm with a dazzling performance of her favorite show-tunes and songs from her new album Go Back Home. Her breadth and versatility as both a singer and an actress combines to make her the powerhouse artist that she is. With a record six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards, and a whole catalogue of other awards to her name, making her one of today's most highly regarded performers.

Broadway Legend Audra McDonald to Open UH's Madison Artist Series in March
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 12, 2015


Audra McDonald has earned Tonys, Grammys and other accolades for her work on stage and screen. Soon, the multitalented performer will add another accomplishment to her extensive resume.

Audra McDonald Will Return to Carnegie Hall in December
by Tyler Peterson - Nov 3, 2014


Six-time Tony Award winner and Musical America's 2014 Musician of the Year Audra McDonald, returns to Carnegie Hall on Friday, December 12 at 8:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage.

Audra McDonald Named '2014 Musician of the Year' by Musical America
by Tyler Peterson - Nov 5, 2013


Musical America, now in its third century as the indispensable resource for the performing arts, today announced the winners of the annual Musical America Awards, recognizing artistic excellence and achievement in the arts.

Audra McDonald Coming Back to Broadway 'Sometime Soon"
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 23, 2013


Audra McDonald is in the midst of promoting her latest album, 'Go Back Home', and concert tour, which is currently playing in Los Angeles, but she won't be in California for long. According to the LA Times the five-time Tony winner will be heading back to Broadway soon.

Tony Winner Audra McDonald Comes to Houston Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Oct 19, 2013


Tony Award-winner and vocalist Audra McDonald is coming to Houston tonight, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m. in the Brown Theater at the Wortham Theater Center, presented by Society for the Performing Arts. Accompanying her on stage will be Houston native Andy Einhorn.

Ragtime FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the songs in Ragtime and what's the order?
Ragtime
Goodbye My Love
Journey On
The Crime of the Century
What Kind of Woman
A Shtetl Iz Amereke
Success
Gettin' Ready Rag
Henry Ford
Nothing Like the City
Your Daddy's Son
New Music
Wheels of a Dream
The Night That Goldman Spoke at Union Square
Lawrence, Massachusetts
Gliding
Justice
President
Till We Reach That Day
Harry Houdini, Master Escapist
Coalhouse's Soliloquy
Coalhouse Demands
What a Game
Atlantic City
Buffalo Nickel Photoplay, Inc.
Our Children
Sarah Brown Eyes
He Wanted to Say
Back to Before
Look What You've Done
Make Them Hear You
The Show Biz
I Have a Feeling
Ragtime
Goodbye, My Love
Journey On
Crime Of The Century
What Kind Of Woman?
A Shteltl Iz Amereke
Success
His Name Was Coalhouse Walker
Getting' Ready Rag
Henry Ford
Nothing Like The City
Your Daddy's Son
The Courtship
New Music
Wheels Of A Dream
The Night That Goldman Spoke
Gliding
Justice
President
Till We Reach That Day
Coalhouse's Soliloquy
Coalhouse Demands
What A Game!
Atlantic City
Buffalo Nickel Photoplay, Inc.
Our Children
Sarah Brown Eyes
He Wanted To Say
Back To Before
Look What You've Done
Make Them Hear You
Epilogue

Other Productions of Ragtime

1996   Canada World Premiere
Canada
1998   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2003   West End London Revival
West End
2005   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
2007   Chicago Chicago Revival
Chicago
2009   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2012   West End Open Air Production
West End
2015   US Tour Non-Equity National Tour
US Tour
2016   Off-Broadway Ellis Island Developmental Concert Production
Off-Broadway
2016   West End Charing Cross Theatre Company Revival Production
West End
2017   Regional (US) Barrington Stage Company Revival
Regional (US)
2024   Off-Broadway Encores! Concert Revival Production
Off-Broadway

Ragtime - 1998 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor - Musical Brian Stokes Mitchell
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor - Musical Peter Friedman
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress - Musical Marin Mazzie
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Choreography Graciela Daniele
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Choreography Graciela Daniele
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design Santo Loquasto
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design Santo Loquasto
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Director - Musical Frank Galati
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Director - Musical Frank Galati
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical Steven Sutcliffe
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical Steven Sutcliffe
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lighting Design Peggy Eisenhauer
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lighting Design Jules Fisher
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lighting Design Peggy Eisenhauer
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lighting Design Jules Fisher
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lyrics Lynn Ahrens
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lyrics Lynn Ahrens
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lyrics Stephen Flaherty
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Music Stephen Flaherty
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Musical Ragtime
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Musical Ragtime
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestrations William David Brohn
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestrations William David Brohn
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Revival-Musical Wendell K. Harrington
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Revival-Musical Eugene Lee
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Set Design - Musical Wendell K. Harrington
1998 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Set Design - Musical Eugene Lee
1998 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Brian Stokes Mitchell
1998 Drama League Awards Distinguished Production of a Musical 0
1998 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Lynn Ahrens
1998 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Terrence McNally
1998 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Stephen Flaherty
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Actor - Musical Brian Stokes Mitchell
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Actress - Musical Marin Mazzie
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Broadway Musical 0
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Choreography Graciela Daniele
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Costume Design Santo Loquasto
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Director - Musical Frank Galati
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Lighting Design Jules Fisher
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Lighting Design Peggy Eisenhauer
1998 The Hewes Awards Lighting Design Peggy Eisenhauer
1998 The Hewes Awards Scenic Design Eugene Lee
1998 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Terrence McNally
1998 Tony Awards Best Choreography Graciela Daniele
1998 Tony Awards Best Costume Design Santo Loquasto
1998 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Frank Galati
1998 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design Jules Fisher
1998 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design Peggy Eisenhauer
1998 Tony Awards Best Musical Livent (U.S.) Inc
1998 Tony Awards Best Orchestrations William David Brohn
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Stephen Flaherty
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Lynn Ahrens
1998 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Peter Friedman
1998 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Brian Stokes Mitchell
1998 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Audra McDonald
1998 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Marin Mazzie

Videos