The Enduring Legacy of 'Ragtime': A Musical's Triumphant Revival
The world of musical theatre is abuzz with excitement as the iconic show Ragtime takes center stage once again. This time, it's not just the dazzling performances and captivating music that have audiences enthralled, but also the bittersweet story of the creative team behind it.
Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the brilliant composer-lyricist duo, are basking in the spotlight as their beloved musical receives a well-deserved revival. However, their joy is tinged with a sense of longing for a key member of their former triad—the late Terrence McNally.
A Creative Triad Reunited in Spirit
What makes this revival particularly poignant is the absence of McNally, a playwright who, alongside Ahrens and Flaherty, crafted the powerful and socially conscious musical back in the 1990s. McNally's passion for Ragtime was evident from the start, as he poured his empathetic soul into adapting E.L. Doctorow's novel into a musical masterpiece.
Personally, I find it fascinating how the creative process can forge such strong bonds between artists. Ahrens and Flaherty's longing for McNally's presence during this revival speaks volumes about the depth of their collaboration. It's as if a piece of the puzzle is missing, and they can't help but feel his spirit alongside them.
A Dream Fulfilled, Yet Bittersweet
Ahrens' words resonate with emotion as she reflects on McNally's dream of seeing Ragtime at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. It's a dream that has come true, but with a heavy heart. McNally's passing in 2020 left a void that cannot be filled, and the success of this revival is a bittersweet reminder of his absence.
In my opinion, this raises a deeper question about the legacy of artists and the impact they leave behind. When a creative force like McNally is no longer with us, how do we honor their vision and continue their dream? It's a delicate balance between celebrating their work and acknowledging the emotional weight of their absence.
New Energy, Timeless Themes
One of the most exciting aspects of this revival is the injection of fresh energy, particularly from the talented Joshua Henry, who has breathed new life into the role of Coalhouse Walker Jr. It's a testament to the timelessness of the show that it can captivate audiences decades later, with new performers bringing their unique interpretations.
What many people don't realize is that revivals are not just about nostalgia. They offer an opportunity to reinterpret and rediscover a work, allowing it to resonate with contemporary audiences. Henry's performance is a prime example of how a new generation of artists can make an old story feel fresh and relevant.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Flaherty's comment about Henry standing on the shoulders of Brian Stokes Mitchell, the original Coalhouse, is a beautiful metaphor for the evolution of art. Each generation builds upon the achievements of the past, reaching new heights and pushing boundaries. Henry's remarkable vocal transformation and the score adjustments made for him showcase the ongoing dialogue between past and present in the performing arts.
As we eagerly await the Tony Awards, the success of Ragtime serves as a reminder of the enduring power of collaboration and the timeless appeal of great storytelling. This revival is not just a celebration of a musical, but also a tribute to the artists who brought it to life, both past and present.
In the end, Ragtime's journey is a testament to the resilience of art and the indelible mark left by those who create it. It's a story that continues to unfold, inspiring and moving audiences, long after the curtain falls.
