Ragtime Confirmed for Fall Broadway Run at the Neil Simon Theatre
As previously reported, the Kennedy Center's recent production of Terrence McNally, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s musical Ragtime, directed and choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge, will play Broadway this fall. Ragtime will begin performances on October 23 and officially open on November 15 at the Neil Simon Theatre.
Based on E.L. Doctorow's acclaimed epic novel, Ragtime turns back the clock to the dawn of the 20th century—a time when anything was possible and ragtime music filled the air. New York City was the land of opportunity. A poor Jewish immigrant sells his "moving picture" books on the street. A wealthy Victorian couple welcomes a runaway into their home. A Harlem jazz pianist turns an issue of justice into a revolution. Their personal journeys come alive as historic figures (among them escape artist Harry Houdini, auto tycoon Henry Ford, educator Booker T. Washington, and infamous entertainer Evelyn Nesbit) offer guidance and diversion. Together, their stories celebrate the struggle between tradition and independence all in pursuit of the American dream.
The Kennedy Center production opened at the Eisenhower Theatre on April 18 and played a limited engagement through May 17, 2009. The production team includes scenic design by Derek McLane, original costume design by Santo Loquasto, lighting design by Donald Holder, musical direction by James Moore and original orchestrations by William David Brohn.
The original Broadway production of the show was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, in 1998. It won four: Best Book (McNally), Best Score (Ahrens and Flaherty), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Audra McDonald) and Best Orchestrations (William David Brohn).
The Kennedy Center cast included Ron Bohmer, Quentin Earl Darrington, Manoel Felciano, Christiane Noll, Carrie A. Johnson, Jennlee Shallow, Bobby Steggert, Christopher Cox and Sarah Rosenthal. No casting has been announced for the Broadway production.
Ragtime will be produced on Broadway by Kevin McCollum, Roy Furman, Roger Berlind, Max Cooper, Tom Kirdahy/Devlin Elliott, Jeffrey Sine, Scott Delman, Roy Miller, LAMS Productions, Inc., Wendy Federman, Emanuel Azenberg in association with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.