Ragtime Show Poster

Ragtime Reviews

Ahrens and Flaherty's powerful adaptation of E.L. Doctorow's novel returns to Broadway.

4.8
Show Overview

Critics’ Reviews (2)

A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.
The Wall Street Journal

"A brightly shining revival. A sterling production with a marvelous score and flawless cast."

The Wall Street Journal

Charles Isherwood

The New York Times

"A glorious cast, an abundance of extraordinary talent and riveting vocals. Rousing entertainment. Full stop."

The New York Times

Laura Collins-Hughes

customer reviews

Customer Reviews (359)

4.8
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
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Emotional and Hopeful
"This was an absolutely phenomenal show! The music was great and the cast spectacular! I would certainly see it again and again."
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George S from Mission Viejo on Aug 16, 2026
Ragtime
"Amazing performance by all involved!! Nostalgic of past times, but relevant as it pertains to current events today."
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Woodrow T from Kingsland on Aug 15, 2026
Phenomenal!!!
"Run don’t walk to see this show! Beyond words how incredible it was! Characterization so authentic and believable. Voices soared, lighting, sound, set all perfect. Tony award winners! You will not regret going! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 14, 2026
Our story
"This is a wonderful rendition of the immigration story. The story is very moving and also very inclusive of all races and classes. The actors give an emotional performance as the story journeys through the beginning of the 20th century. The songs touch the heart and soul of all that are in the audience. Ragtime, what a performance."
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 14, 2026
Great Ragtime
"The music & singing was sensational! Very moving & excellent!"
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Marcella T from Farmington Hills on Aug 13, 2026
Loved Every Minute!
"I loved every minute of this wonderful revival of Ragtime. The music was amazing; from the orchestra, the chorus, and to the solos performed by the lead characters , all were thrilling to listen to!! The staging added to the impact of this production. The themes were historically accurate, but also timely and relevant for today’s audiences. I would highly recommend his show!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 13, 2026
Can’t Stop Playing The Cast Soundtrack
"This show was amazing. I did not expect it to be so powerful. I immediately downloaded the cast soundtrck and I can’t stop listening. This musical is so relevant. I was in tears and so were the people around me. "
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Delphine B from Missouri City on Aug 13, 2026
Amazing show and cast
"Show is absolutely phenomenal!!!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 12, 2026
Ragtime
"I've been back home for 2 weeks now and can't stop thinking about my trip...especially the 3 broadway musicals I went to...and ESPECIALLY Ragtime!!!! I don't know where to start, between the singing, the harmonies, the acting, the staging and all the productions...by far the best musical I've ever been to and so glad I took my teenage daughter. This entire masterpiece was brilliantly done from start to finish...absolutely loved it!!!"
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Jason B from Cincinnati on Aug 12, 2026
Beyond expectations!
"Exceeded our expectations!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 12, 2026
Fabulous show!
"We flew from Texas to see it, and it was worth the trip! See it if you can get tickets!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 11, 2026
Incredible
"I saw this when it first showed in the US in 1997. This lived up to all my memories and expectations, and then some. Amazing cast!! Too scary and violent for kids. Beautiful music and singing that literally brought tears to my eyes. Must see!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 10, 2026
Tremendous!
"Fantastic show! Great performances from everyone. We absolutely loved it!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 9, 2026
Masterpiece!
"The ensemble was incredible. The vocals were spine tingling. The acting was superb up and down the entire cast. The two lead performers were amazing. Joshua Henry and Cassie Levy receving Tonys for outstanding actor and actress in a musical was a no brainer. One of the best if not THE best musicals I’ve ever experienced!"
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Paul K from Redondo Beach on Aug 8, 2026
A complicated, spectacular, timely musical
"The acting and singing were absolutely beautiful. It was very moving, and though it showed a world of about 100 years ago, it is still timely today. The only criticism, and it isn't really a criticism because the music was all beautiful, but there was no song that was especially memorable."
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Natalie N from Berkeley on Aug 7, 2026
Best in Show
"What a historical, and thought provoking show - full of talented actors, singers and dancers who unfolded America’s history in a way that revealed truths and cut to the heart of America’s dream, hopes, and unfulfilled promises. Yet ‘Hope continues’ and these artist challenge us to see the heavy truths of American’s continued journey to master ‘liberty and justice for ALL’! BRAVO!!!!!!"
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Roberta Y from Richmond on Aug 6, 2026
Best possible Broadway Experience
"I turn 75 this week and I have seen hundreds of Broadway performances through the years. This was without a doubt the best show I have experienced-ever. Period. The story is timeless and the cast is perfect in every way. I am so happy to have this memory ! ! "
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Jon A from Dallas on Aug 6, 2026
Every song is a show stopper.
" Talented casting and innovative and engaging staging bring new appreciation of the show. Joshua Henry is out of this world talented."
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Greg F from Fredericksburg on Aug 6, 2026
So happy my daughter insisted on going!
"The singing and acting were phenomenal. The story was an amazing look at history. My 14 year old daughter and I talked the whole way home about it. I wish I had brought my 12 year old too."
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 5, 2026
Ragtime A Magnificent Experience!
"I loved the story, the actors, the passion, the songs and the set design. I thoroughly enjoy seeing plays @ the Vivian Beaumont Theater, the seating & stage provide an intimate experience. I did not experience any negativity or anything I’d want changed. In fact, after being moved to tears several times during the play, I wanted to see it again. Bravo-Brava to everyone involved in this poignantly moving production. "
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Bonnie L from San Pedro on Aug 4, 2026
Absolutely AMAZING
"I loved the show from beginning to end! I cried multiple times throughout the show! I was so caught up in the story I didn’t want to leave for the intermission. Outstanding musical and I totally understand why it won Tony’s!! A MUST SEE"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 3, 2026
Some Shows Entertain You. Ragtime Became a Part of Me.
"Three performances. Three standing ovations. Three times I left the theater in tears. Yesterday was the final show for me, and I'm still trying to find the words to explain what this production has meant to me. Ragtime touched something deep inside me in ways I can't fully explain. I guess you could say... I imprinted. Every performance gave me something different, but sitting front row for my final show was unforgettable. I was so close to the stage that I felt like I was part of the story. I could see every expression, every emotion, every moment. When Make Them Hear You began, the tears came. And by the final curtain, I was crying all over again. Joshua Henry's performance was nothing short of extraordinary. His voice, his artistry, and the emotion he pours into every note are unforgettable. I truly believe his talent and his voice will be remembered as one of the greatest of this generation. Watching him perform has been an honor. To the entire cast, orchestra, musicians, crew, and everyone who brought this masterpiece to life—thank you. Thank you for giving audiences an experience that is so much more than a musical. You created something that people carry with them long after the curtain falls. Some shows entertain you. Ragtime became a part of me. 🖤🎭"
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Linda H from Brooklyn on Aug 3, 2026
Fantastic show
"Heart wrenching story sung beautifully and presented with a simpler set design."
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 2, 2026
Do not miss this show!
"This show is one of the best I have seen on Broadway and I’ve seen them all. The cast is unbelievable. The lead Joshua Henry has a voice like no other. The music is incredible. The storyline will uplift you, make you think but will also make you shed a tear. I saw it with Brian Stokes Mitchell over 20 years ago, and we all know how great he is, but Joshua Henry takes it to another level. It deserved every Tony Award it received. "
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Lauren G from Voorhees on Aug 2, 2026
Glorious!
"Incredible performances, absolutely astounding music and singing. Important themes. I was overwhelmed with the experience. Bravo! "
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Kathleen M from Fairfax on Aug 2, 2026
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About Ragtime

Ragtime is a sweeping musical adaption of E.L. Doctorow’s novel that follows three fictional families in pursuit of the American Dream at the dawn of the 20th Century: Black pianist Coalhouse Walker, Jr. and his beloved Sarah, Jewish immigrant Tateh and his little girl, and a wealthy white family led by matriarch Mother. All grasping for the same dream, if only they can hold onto it.

Featuring a lush score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, a stirring book by Terrence McNally, and original orchestrations by William David Brohn, all of whom won Tony Awards for their work, Ragtime weaves fictional narratives with real historical figures and events, creating a rich tapestry that blurs the line between personal struggle and national identity, making history feel both intimate and epic.

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