Fri 7/17-Sat 7/18
Fri 7/24-Sun 7/26
Fri 7/31-Sun 8/2
The musical Ragtime looks back at the early 20th century, focusing on the lives of people in three different segments of society in New York City in that era: the white wealthy class, the Jewish immigrants pouring in through Elis Island, and African-Americans settling in Harlem. Based on a 1975 novel by E.L. Doctorow, it features actual historical figures flitting in and out of the story: Henry Ford, Booker T. Washington, Harry Houdini, Emma Goldman and more. It’s set in that era before World War I and technological as well as cultural upheaval changed everything.
With a book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Aherns and music by Stephen Flaherty, the show debuted in 1996, and opened on Broadway in 1998 where it was a hit, running until 2000. It had Broadway revivals in 2009 and 2025.
Now Near West Theatre is tackling Ragtime as its summer teen production. That teens took on this challenging, 2 hour 45 minute (with intermission) musical that the theater warns contained “violence, strong language, racial slurs, death, and mature themes” (don’t bring their kid sisters and brothers under 13!) shows that maturity and sophistication of NWT’s young performers. Artistic director Trinidad Snider directs the production, with assistant director from Jasmine Barnes, choreography by Jailyn Harris, assistant choreography by Zoe Hinton and musical direction by Olivia Tassone.
Go here for tickets.