RAGTIME 2025 Reviews- Page 3

[KrupYou]

Posted: 10/18/25 at 5:48pm

Just saw itt again......magnificent. 

[quizking101]

Posted: 10/18/25 at 6:38pm

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "ACL2006 said: "DrMonicaDeMoneco said: "RW3 said: "JOSHUA HENRY, THAT TONY NOMINATION IS YOURS!"

Let’s hope he’s remembered by the time the Tony noms are announced"

I'd expect Ragtime to extend into June. Levy gets replaced. It's selling very well and now these near rave reviews. Also, LCT doesn't have the Beaumont booked for the Spring solely for the purpose of possibly extending Ragtime."

If it extends, then that would give the show a stronger fighting chance to win Best Musical Revival."

I’m seeing it tonight and am eager to share my thoughts since the grandiose mega musical has never been my cup of tea.

RAGTIME extending could help a nomination for revival, but it’s also going up against CHESS (the redemption arc), CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL (Critically acclaimed and awarded off Broadway) and possibly THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (I talked to Sam Pinkleton at Oh Mary the other night and he seemed a little nervous, but that doesn’t mean anything necessarily)

As for Henry, if his performance has been singled out as a career best and acclaimed across the board, I think he would be a safe bet as a nominee (Christianne Noll and Bobby Steggart were nominated for the last revival which closed five months before the Tonys).

His certain competition is looking primarily to be Nicholas Christopher for CHESS - with Tutty (Two Strangers), Bourzgui (Lost Boys), Tveit (Chess), and Brightman (Schmigadoon) all questionable in the mix (Jellicle Ball will likely petition everyone as featured and we don’t know who Frank in RHS is yet). 

The musical slate this season is looking rather bleak.

Updated On: 10/18/25 at 06:38 PM

[Melissa25]

Posted: 10/18/25 at 6:52pm

I would much rather go to Lincoln Center or any of the Off-Broadway venues than the theater district. Times Square is a serious pain for me.

[Mike66]

Posted: 10/18/25 at 7:59pm

Play Esq. said: "

I’m also a member at the Met Opera, so going to Lincoln Center is nothing for me. It’s maybe myfavorite part of the City…except for the dearth of good restaurants, of course 🙄"

 

Oh MY -- there are a bunch of fabulous restaurants a few steps from Lincoln Center.  We live part of the year across the street from Juilliard, and find the food in the neighborhood one of my favorite reasons for being there.  Fabulous Chinese, two great French Restos, a bunch of wonderful Italian Choices, the expected Deli/Diner choices, AND the Magnolia Bakery.  I put on weight just thinking about it.

Seriously -- It's not my place to start 'naming names' -- but if you want a list of my favs -- let me know.  I love the theatre district -- but most nights we eat here and then walk down to the 'district' because the food is great, the crowds arent cray, and the prices are more neighborhood and less tourist magnet.

(and YES -- it's great to have a rave musical across the street again!)

 

 

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 10/18/25 at 9:50pm

quizking101 said: "RAGTIME extending could help a nomination for revival, but it’s also going up against CHESS (the redemption arc), CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL (Critically acclaimed and awarded off Broadway) and possibly THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (I talked to Sam Pinkleton at Oh Mary the other night and he seemed a little nervous, but that doesn’t mean anything necessarily)"

If Ragtime doesn't extend, I doubt that'll be detrimental to its chances at a Best Musical Revival nom. Countless closed shows have been remembered in that category before (including the previous Ragtime revival).

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 10/18/25 at 11:18pm

Mike66 said: "Seriously -- It's not my place to start 'naming names' -- but if you want a list of my favs -- let me know."

Are we gatekeeping restaurants now? Please, name names. I’ve lived in the city a long time and still struggle to find solid places to eat in the immediate Lincoln Center vicinity.

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 10/19/25 at 5:44am

It's killing me that I am missing this! Really hope this production crosses the pond to London! Brits need Ragtime as well! I already have some ideas of who could lead a London revival cast if any of the Broadway company can't come over. 

Obviously, if they can only bring one over from the Broadway company, it would have to be Joshua. 

As for Mother, Claire Foster would be magnificent in that role. If anyone on here saw Benjamin Button, you would know that she's got the vocal power and emotional performance to portray that role! Also, John Dagleish, who played the title role in Benjamin Button, would be a perfect Father. Him or Hadley Fraser. 

Simon Lipkin would be a perfect Tateh. Brother, I would say Jack Wolfe. As for Sarah, I would love it if they cast an unknown (though I don't think that will happen). One of my friends told me that Joy Woods needs to have her Sarah moment. 

I just hope they can fast-track this over soon, because we really need Ragtime over here more than ever before! This could work at the London Palladium or London Collesium for a short Summer Run. 

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 10/19/25 at 7:47am

The Smith is always solid. Breads Bakery for quicker bites. El Fish is newer and not bad at all.

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 10/19/25 at 8:03am

Dylan Smith4 said: "It's killing me that I am missing this! Really hope this production crosses the pond to London! Brits need Ragtime as well! I already have some ideas of who could lead a London revival cast if any of the Broadway company can't come over.

Obviously, if they can only bring one over from the Broadway company, it would have to be Joshua.

As for Mother, Claire Foster would be magnificent in that role. If anyone on here saw Benjamin Button, you would know that she's got the vocal power and emotional performance to portray that role! Also, John Dagleish, who played the title role in Benjamin Button, would be a perfect Father. Him or Hadley Fraser.

Simon Lipkin would be a perfect Tateh. Brother, I would say Jack Wolfe. As for Sarah, I would love it if they cast an unknown (though I don't think that will happen). One of my friends told me that Joy Woods needs to have her Sarah moment.

I just hope they can fast-track this over soon, because we really need Ragtime over here more than ever before! This could work at the London Palladium or London Collesium for a short Summer Run."

Love some of these suggestions. Especially Simon Lipkin as Tate. Still hoping for him to come to the US at some point.

[quizking101]

Posted: 10/19/25 at 9:28am

Okay, my thoughts.

This was my first time seeing Ragtime fully staged and I certainly agree that it’s epic, but I have to agree with the Post (*gags*) a bit here in that Lear did not really make good use of the space and so some of the bigger emotional moments exposed flaws in either performance, material, or both. The intersections of the three families felt very forced at times and frequently felt like McNally forgot about certain characters and then forced them back into the story. 

To me, Joshua Henry carried the entire show on his back. Whenever he had a scene or song, it was one of the only times I truly felt this show come alive in the fullest extent. Him singing “Make Them Hear You” backed by that full orchestra was basically an AUDRAGYPSY Rose’s Turn moment for me. 

Speaking of Audra, unfortunately, you could tell that Nichelle Lewis was definitely not the first choice Sarah they wanted for this production. She has talent, but this score is WAY out of her league and when you are vocally paired with a male powerhouse, the disparity is much more clear. At times her voice sounded thin and pitchy. I doubt Joy Woods would’ve been any better, but I know Joaquina Kalukango would’ve been able to match Henry note for note and be a strong scene partner.

Uranowitz brought levity to the proceedings and he has very much grown into the esteemed performer we see today. Levy was fine and her acting was quite strong. I was in the last row of the loge and her quieter moments were very much transcendent. Ross was also great, even if his arc from being an Evelyn Nesbitt groupie to a bomb-making revolutionary was questionable. Taub was squarely in her bag as Emma Goldman, bringing the same rabblerousing energy she brought to Suffs.

Overall, I’m not mad I saw it by any means and I feel privileged to have witnessed Joshua Henry captivate an entire audience like that. However, fully staged, I found the show to be unfocused and long-winded (I clocked a runtime of exactly 3 hours last night) for me to be truly invested the entire time.

[Fordham2015]

Posted: 10/19/25 at 12:26pm

DramaTeach said: Love some of these suggestions. Especially Simon Lipkin as Tate. Still hopingfor him to come to the USat some point."

I saw him as Fagin in the West End Oliver over the summer, a superb performer

[quizking101]

Posted: 10/20/25 at 9:16am

I saw both Taub and Uranowitz were out yesterday. Did anyone see their understudies?

[BenjaminNicholas2]

Posted: 10/20/25 at 12:53pm

quizking101 said: "Speaking of Audra, unfortunately, you could tell that Nichelle Lewis was definitely not the first choice Sarahthey wanted for this production. She has talent, but this score is WAY out of her league and when you are vocally paired with a male powerhouse, the disparity is much more clear. At times her voice sounded thin and pitchy. I doubt Joy Woods would’ve been any better, but I know Joaquina Kalukango would’ve been able to match Henry note for note and be a strong scene partner."

This has been my issue since CC.  Lewis is lost in this show.  Entirely.

Having seen the LCT version twice now, she has a penchant for being pitchy on Your Daddy's Son and then is entirely drown out when singing anything with Henry.  

I also felt like they were trying to lower his mic and push hers up, but then the whole song ended up feeling lopsided.  You can't use a compressor to blend two very different voices and I sure as hell don't want to Henry to have to sit on his voice in what should be thrilling moments.

Levy found some better book moments from the CC transfer, but I'm still not a fan of her vocals on BTB. 

[Jeff Tupolski]

Posted: 10/21/25 at 5:01pm

quizking101 said: "As for Henry, if his performance has been singled out as a career best and acclaimed across the board, I think he would be a safe bet as a nominee (Christianne Noll and Bobby Steggart were nominated for the last revival which closed five months before the Tonys).

His certain competition is looking primarily to be Nicholas Christopher for CHESS - with Tutty (Two Strangers), Bourzgui (Lost Boys), Tveit (Chess), and Brightman (Schmigadoon) all questionable in the mix (Jellicle Ball will likely petition everyone as featured and we don’t know who Frank in RHS is yet)."

While I’m sure he’ll be behind his costar, I feel like Uranowitz should be safe for the nomination. I imagine Henry wins so long as the show is still open by the Tonys. We’ll see how it holds, but right now I think that happens.

For the other actors, I feel best about a Featured nomination for Ben Levi Ross. I think a nomination is on the table for Lewis, but I don’t think the buzz is there right now. Levy is interesting because I went from thinking she’d miss based on Encores to thinking she’d make the cut based on the current production, if not for her involvement in The Lost Boys. If the show extends without her I feel like that would hurt her odds more than if it just ended and another actor didn’t come in to play Mother for longer than her. But this doesn’t feel like that busy of a musical season, so either way, she may be fine for a nod.

[quizking101]

Posted: 10/21/25 at 5:17pm

Jeff Tupolski said: "quizking101 said: "While I’m sure he’ll be behind his costar, I feel likeUranowitz should be safe for the nomination. I imagine Henry wins so long as the show is still open by the Tonys. We’ll see how it holds, but right now I think that happens.

For the other actors, I feel best about a Featured nomination for Ben Levi Ross. I think a nomination is on the table for Lewis, but I don’t think the buzz is there right now. Levy is interesting because I went from thinking she’d miss based on Encores to thinking she’d make the cut based on the current production, if not for her involvement in The Lost Boys. If the show extends without her I feel like that would hurt her odds more than if it just ended and another actor didn’t come in to play Mother for longer than her. But this doesn’t feel like that busy of a musical season, so either way, she may be fine for a nod."

Uranowitz is a maybe. Lewis would be considered for Featured, but that is looking like a really thin field. She could easily get boxed out by the girls from CATS and possibly Rocky Horror and Schmigadoon. Maybe the daughter from QOV can sneak in.

[Jeff Tupolski]

Posted: 10/21/25 at 7:21pm

I guess we’ll see how things shape up with the rest of the season, but right now it’s looking sparse and based on what we’ve seen so far, I think Uranowitz should be solidly in. Next to Henry, he’s this production’s most acclaimed performance and he has a strong track record with the Tonys. Since his second Broadway show he’s been nominated for all of his eligible performances except for Prince of Broadway, a revue show with underwhelming reception. 

Agree on Lewis though. Like I said, I’m not feeling the nomination now, but she could be in play if more actresses don’t start taking off there, as her category currently feels wide open.

[The Bandstand]

Posted: 10/21/25 at 9:48pm

ColorTheHours048 said: "Are we gatekeeping restaurants now? Please, name names. I’ve lived in the city a long time and still struggle to find solid places to eat in the immediate Lincoln Center vicinity."

Tatiana if you can get a reservation, right on Lincoln center campus, below David geffen hall.  If not, The Smith or Pj Clarkes are where you should go, good American food.  

[Mike66]

Posted: 10/21/25 at 10:06pm

No great disrespect to The Smith or PJ Clarkes -- but they are, in my opinion -- overpriced, underserviced, bland and boring -- and much too crowded (and loud).  Sure -- if you want that 'I wait 45 minutes and then have 30 minutes to eat the cold french fries' vibe, But I'm sure it's not just marketing that keeps them crowded.

The Lincoln Center area (1/2 mile in each direction) has at least a dozen really good dining experiences, for a (NYC) reasonable price.  You dont have to settle for the places across the street. 

 

[The Bandstand]

Posted: 10/21/25 at 10:12pm

Did I not recommend Tatiana first??  And I’m not saying Pj Clarkes or The Smith are amazing, but they’re still good, I’ve never had that experience you describe, and I was recommending places in the “immediate Lincoln center vicinity,” which was what he asked for. 

[Mike66]

Posted: 10/21/25 at 10:19pm

The Bandstand said: "Did I not recommend Tatiana first?? And I’m not saying Pj Clarkes or The Smith are amazing, but they’re still good, I’ve never had that experience you describe, and I was recommending places in the “immediate Lincoln center vicinity,” which was what he asked for."

You are welcome to your opinion, of course.  I have a different opinion.  I certainly dont wish to argue about whether someone should go to one resto or another.  I dont own any of them (and since I prefer to go to other places, you wont be taking a reservation I would have wanted.)

If someone wants to eat at your recommendations, I wish them well and hope they enjoy both their meal and the show.

[The Bandstand]

Posted: 10/21/25 at 10:32pm

Yes how lovely of you

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 10/21/25 at 11:07pm

Mike66 said: "No great disrespect to The Smith or PJ Clarkes -- but they are, in my opinion -- overpriced, underserviced, bland and boring -- and much too crowded (and loud). Sure -- if you want that 'I wait 45 minutes and then have 30 minutes to eat the cold french fries' vibe, But I'm sure it's not just marketing that keeps them crowded.

The Lincoln Center area (1/2 mile in each direction) has at least a dozen really good dining experiences, for a (NYC) reasonable price. You dont have to settle for the places across the street.

"

You going to name these restaurants or just criticize other people's reasonable suggestions? It's a notoriously poor area for dining. Been here fifteen years and don't have a go-to by Lincoln Center. 

Of course if we're defining "immediate vicinity" as an entire mile of Manhattan...

Updated On: 10/22/25 at 11:07 PM

[Mike66]

Posted: 10/22/25 at 4:05pm

Scarywarhol said: "Mike66 said: "No great disrespect to The Smith or PJ Clarkes -- but they are, in my opinion -- overpriced, underserviced, bland and boring -- and much too crowded (and loud). Sure -- if you want that 'I wait 45 minutes and then have 30 minutes to eat the cold french fries' vibe, But I'm sure it's not just marketing that keeps them crowded.

The Lincoln Center area (1/2 mile in each direction) has at least a dozen really good dining experiences, for a (NYC) reasonable price. You dont have to settle for the places across the street.

"
You going to name these restaurants or just criticize other people's reasonable suggestions? It's a notoriously poor area for dining. Been here fifteen years and don't have a go-to by Lincoln Center.

Of course if we're defining "immediate vicinity" as an entire mile of Manhattan..."

 

I didnt criticize anyone.  I disagreed with an opinion.  Ive never met or spoken to the person who posted -- on what basis would I ever criticize him/her?   (Although it seems to be sort of common on these threads).  

I defined the scope of search as being 'The Lincoln Center area' which I went on to define as ONE HALF mile in each direction.  That's different from your making it the 'immediate vicinity' (which I really cant quantify in any way.). And then you turned what I said into 'an entire mile of Manhattan'.  That's not what I said.   I said 1/2 mile -- 10 city blocks -- (although they are all between 58th to the South (7 blocks away) and 69th to the North (four blocks away), now that I actually look at a map.)

As to my go-tos -- I sent a private message to the person who asked for recommendations.  Perhaps he/she will consider the choices, perhaps not.  He/She asked, so I sen them along.  I dont have any financial or rooting interest in any of these places, and dont want to do their advertising for them.  (Or open myself up for more attacks, now that I think about it.)

Stay safe

 

 

 

[KrupYou]

Posted: 10/22/25 at 4:23pm

This most thrilling show on Broadway right now. BRILLIANT 

[Jarethan]

Posted: 10/23/25 at 12:58am

Saw this tonight.  I thought the overall performance was excellent although I do not remember the beginning of the first act (after the opening number) taking so long to get going.  The first 30 minutes seemed pretty slow to me.  Once past that, the show flew by.  A lot of positives, a couple f negatives (besides the slowish 30 minutes).

Couple of Observations:

The three leads deserve all the praise they have received.

Caissie Levy was lovely as Mother and I would vote for her in a Tony contest against Lea Michelle.  I am a big LM fan, and thought she sang Florence extremely well.  I just didn't think her role was nearly as well defined and written as the two male leads, both of whom I felt outshined her.  Levy was right up there with her two male leads, but all three had well written parts.  

Shaina Taub and Ben Levi Ross gave the best performances I have seen in their respective roles.  Colin Donnell was fine in a pretty thankless role.  

I did not like Nichelle Lewis's singing, although I was clearly in the minority, as the audience loved her.  Not helping was my vivid reminder of Audra MacDonald's performance, enhanced by the countless times I have played the cast recording over the past 25+ ears.

I thought the direction was solid and do not understand what the naysayers were expecting.  I thought the stage pictures were arresting throughout the show, and don't feel that more elaborate scenery was needed.  I would also point out that the original production's scenery was so bloated as to distract from the actual story.

Finally, were Chess and this competing for Best Revival, I would vote for Chess, because this was a solid production of an almost great musical, whereas this was the first time I have seen a production of Chess that I felt was successful, and I thought it was very successful.