Ragtime, the musical, has finally received the recognition it deserves with its Tony Award win in 2026, a long-overdue victory for the show that was snubbed in 1998. This article delves into the journey of Ragtime, its creators, and the impact it has had on the musical landscape. The author, a renowned performer and critic, reflects on their personal connection to the show, having written the lyrics for the opening number and performed in various productions.
The article begins by highlighting the talent behind Ragtime's score, Ahrens and Flaherty, a composing duo with a unique approach. Flaherty's colorful writing style, inspired by his piano teacher's criticism, resulted in a diverse musical palette. Lynn Ahrens, a triple threat as composer, lyricist, and singer, brought her advertising background to the musical, creating memorable lyrics and music. The author shares a humorous anecdote about Ahrens' time at an advertising firm, where she sang and played guitar during lunch breaks.
The creative process behind Ragtime is explored, revealing the challenges and triumphs of the team. Garth Drabinsky, the producer, played a pivotal role in shaping the show, auditioning various composing teams and providing a platform for Ahrens and Flaherty to showcase their talent. The pressure of writing and recording four songs in 11 days is recounted, with the author emphasizing the impact of Billy Porter's alto line on the recording's urgency and sass.
The article delves into the characters and songs that made Ragtime iconic. The author discusses the character of Sarah and the song 'Your Daddy's Son,' which provides insight into her actions, despite not condoning them. The creation of 'Sarah Brown Eyes' and Audra McDonald's iconic performance as Sarah are also touched upon, including a humorous anecdote about her reaction to the song during rehearsals.
The author's personal experiences with the show are shared, including a memorable performance as Sarah, where she 'nailed it' despite the challenges of the exposed solo. The impact of the show's music is further explored with the song 'Wheels of A Dream,' which Audra and James performed as a tribute to civil rights causes. The author's own connection to the show is showcased through their 'Obsessed' videos, featuring Brian Stokes Mitchell's impressive vocal skills.
The article concludes with a reflection on the long-awaited Tony Award win and the show's enduring legacy. The author expresses their happiness for Joshua Henry's Tony Award and looks forward to the future of Ragtime, hinting at new projects and the continued celebration of its musical genius.
