Ragtime (1998 Original Broadway Cast) - Tony Awards

Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald and Marin Mazzie lead the original 1998 Broadway cast in a performance of the title song 'Ragtime' at the Tony Awards. www.songsfromthemusicals.com

[@ursulajoni15]

I know it's partially because of the Fashions of the time but I love the way color distinguishes the elite of society versus the underprivileged

[@jaspar38]

I'll take Musicals That Should Have Won Best Musical for $1,000.

[@JPLEYONKO4]

I feel like the reason that it lost to the Lion King is because Lion king was innovative. Broadway has never seen anything like that before, the sets, the costumes, the puppetry. It's pure magic. While Ragtime has a timeless message, a great ensemble, and a great story and acting. In any other year, Ragtime could have won best musical.

[@lonellfletcher]

@@JPLEYONKO4 Agreed, and let's not forget, it did not go home Tony-less. That epic book and majestic score and orchestrations, not to mention Ms. McDonald's small but heartwrenching performance as Sarah, were all awarded.

[@JPLEYONKO4]

@@lonellfletcher all well deserved.

[@chazofalsa]

Both are really great musicals though definitely Ragtime should've ran long as lion king.

[@anhw3303]

@@JPLEYONKO4 Then Lion King should have won for best costumes and sets. It still defies belief that a show that won best score and book - what makes a musical - doesn’t win best musical.

[@amesmb]

SUCH an underrated show. I can't help wishing someone would make a movie version so that more people can be exposed to this absolute gem of musical theatre. Maybe Mandy Patinkin could play Tateh....

[@markagorman]

+Branwen that would be awesome.

[@stevendrake9916]

Branwen Mandy Patinkin already played Tateh in the Original film version in the 80's

[@musicaltheatergeek79]

Yeah, there already was a 1981 non-musical version that was nominated for a slew of Oscars. It also starred Patinkin as 'Tateh' (as Steven Drake pointed out). Besides, at 64, he's much too old for the role on film, where the camera is not as forgiving as a darkly-lit, faraway stage

[@bradyfiscus4723]

Branwen Bernadette peters playing mother?

[@yuutafan]

No, the Late Marin Mazzie.

[@jimjimmyjames59]

I'm always amazed at how brilliantly the choreography conveys the mistrust and defiance of the three groups.

[@jonathandoelander6130]

Pure genius on the choreography for this!

[@rrgallo967]

@@jonathandoelander6130 True!!!!

[@skallywalla502]

And still does. 😔 What's so sad about this was this was 1902. We still have a looooong way to go. Also. Can't get over that Audra was barely shown here. And that is for sure Lea Michele holy cow!!!

[@PlaidBoyPDX]

I tried to describe it to a friend, and got goosebumps and said, “You should just watch it.”

[@nathansaunders2576]

When will people realise, we are not the same, never will and can't mix.

[@4dultw1thj0b]

Right now is the perfect time for a Ragtime revival. When are they gonna get on it?

[@klausweasley]

There was one a few years ago. It closed after about six months but it was Tony-nominated.

[@russofeel]

Come to London! The innovative Charing Cross Theatre are presenting it for two months from 8th October (2016). This theatre has just done a really terrific 'Titanic'.

[@drstorm]

My thoughts EXACTLY! I was just thinking that when I was reminded of this great musical today! They need to make a film musical! I think it would be awesome!

[@BillMontgomery]

Saw it Saturday! BRILLIANT!

[@patrickmannion4952]

It'd be nice if some composers wrote some new material in the Ragtime style.

[@joshuachristiannathanael7420]

Tateh: It was only 1906.... Ensemble: And there were 94 years to go! Me, watching: Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

[@greenergrass4060]

Yee

[@EmilySullivanits]

What does that part mean

[@joshuachristiannathanael7420]

@@EmilySullivanits I remembered in the soundtrack, the character Evelyn Nesbit was squealing "Weeee!!" after the line "there were 94 years to go", so I just Weeee-ed her part when I was watching hahahahaha

[@ThePinkKiwi1995]

i love this performance so much! I don't know about anyone else but at the end when they are sing those final Ragtimes, I can always hear Audra hitting those high soprano notes & it gives me chills

[@bradyfiscus4723]

Louise Ashley Audra has the pipes to be an opera singer full time I love her

[@hanswesley]

I'll never forget seeing this on Broadway in 1999...incredible

[@michaelwilliamybarra2409]

That was Audra!?! I had no Idea! I always though it was either one of the Ensemble members if not Marin(No diss, but I always thought Audra and Marin sounded the same as one another).

[@KennethWilliams-rr9dw]

That's why she's 6x Tony winner.

[@broadwaygodess630]

@@michaelwilliamybarra2409 Im late, but it’s Audra and Judy Kaye, who plays Emma Goldman. While she plays an alto role in the show, she sang soprano 1 in the chorus. She is also known for playing Carlotta in the OBC of Phantom. Two ladies with incredible range!!!

[@bradyfiscus4723]

Everyone always talks about how great Hamilton is and I love it and all but this is so underrated

[@gennybaratta2460]

This show is one of those shows that opened the door for Hamilton. (Also see WSS and A Chorus Line(

[@jillkjv3816]

Ragtime is a million times better.

[@lauriekotakis9683]

Love this Ragtime musical 🎵🎶❤️

[@cscottzimnamaste]

There is no more telling an American tale than Ragtime. It is who we were, and sadly, who we still are. Today Marin Mazzi, Mother in this brilliant production, entered the ether. Broadway has lost an astounding talent, and the world a great friend. RIP Marin.

[@jonathandoelander6130]

Forget that! Now have HAMILTON!!!!

[@PlaidBoyPDX]

This is what musical theater should be. I have watched this so many times and each time I am absolutely blown away. It is euphoric.

[@SimirJohnson]

HANDS DOWN the best musical Ive ever seen on Broadway. Hoping the full revival will be done at some point. This was a spectacular show.

[@musicaltheatergeek79]

There was a Broadway revival in 2009 and two London revivals in 2012 and 2016.

[@AuntieMamie]

Why didn’t this win best musical? It was brilliant. What a telling of history. It may have been uncomfortable at times, but the production was extraordinary. Thank you for this honor.

[@kathymeyers3021]

Alas, it was the year of Lion King.

[@ericcosta3288]

This choreography is the most genius thing. I like how what they where and the way they pose and move represent the culture that they come from

[@BTURNER1961]

the choreography, costume and set design as well as the lyric all showcase the theme behind this number. This segregation of urban centers, class divisions, and the overpowering suspicion between sects, ethnicities and races still haunts our social structure to this day. Only the names and identities have changed, not the dysfunctional and self-defeating dynamic. Its a great number.

[@AlanNJUSA]

This was and still is THE BEST musical I have ever seen in 25 years of going to the theater, and I have seen many fantastic ones. A Masterpiece!

[@tompaulcampbell]

Alan Antonio I agree! Top notch book too!

[@markagorman]

+Alan Antonio I also agree. My Youth theatre performed it on The Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2009 and it is my all time favourite musical.

[@Sodapop-gi4bu]

One of the most underrated shows ever

[@jordanmicahcook]

I’d have to say, this is my all time favorite broadway musical. Nothing gets me emotional like this one…

[@NewHopeRichieRich]

The best opening of a musical.....EVER!!!!!

[@duffman102]

This is probably my favorite ever Tony performance...love the musicality of this song, and the choreography/ staging of it is immaculate.

[@laurenolshan4565]

1998 Tony's will always be my favorite. I love Ragtime's choice to perform the opening number rather than "Wheels of a Dream" or another duet. This is the essence of the show right here. I was fortunate enough to see it on Broadway as a college Freshman with a Talk Back after the show. This is what it's all about right here. Shake up my emotions, be creative, and tell your story. Make them hear you.

[@shannonsparrow2867]

My junior year of High school we performed this and I was blown away at how stunning it was. It saddens me to see this show so horribly underrated and under appreciated on the stages

[@Badelves]

I just went on a "Tony Awards performance" watching spree. I have a friend who LOVES this show and it's one of his favorite community theatre productions he's been in. I wasn't so sure I'd like it, but my passion for Victorian and Edwardian time periods intrigued me and OH MY GOD WHY ISNT THERE A FILMED OBC VIDEO?!

[@becks_r]

Badelves I have found one! It's potato quality, but... kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGObg2egiKmYoLc

[@sirtom23]

Such an epic musical. I feel it deserves much more recognition.

[@wildefanboy635]

Good god, I love this show. And every detail, right down to the clothes! The original cast was just incredible and it's really due for a revival

[@BadCatInHat]

"the sound of distant thunder suddenly started to climb". the best description of our times.

[@oliviafairley4351]

Can you elaborate on that?

[@patrickmannion4952]

Saw this on Broadway that year. It was truly excellent.

[@jadenparker8560]

I have chills all over my face and arms. I'm crying as well. Such a beautiful concept for a musical. I believe it was originally a book but this is just so phenomenal. I keep listening to all these amazing shows I'll never get to see originals of. It pains me but this is all so amazing just the same.

[@mdavis3385]

My dance teacher always says that if you EVER have the opportunity to see Ragtime, you go see it

[@allysonkho2017]

Brilliant staging, lyrics, and score. A true masterpiece of theater

[@SimirJohnson]

Saw this on Broadway when it was big and was, hands down, the best show Ive seen. Hoping a full stage revival will be done soon.

[@tracer740]

Anyone listening to this without an actual broad-band, hi-fidelity music reproduction system doesn't know what they are missing !!! The gut-thumping Oompah bass is thrilling as it was in the live theater! It actually dry-cleans your clothes.

[@orpheus9037]

What a gorgeous opening. Shows how theater can present a big, complex idea and communicate it effectively, instantaneously and beautifully.

[@tristanburrow1847]

This is another masterpiece of an underrated and brilliant art on stage. In the 90's musicals were magnificent! Titanic, Cabaret, Chicago, Ragtime and some rivals were the greatest at that time. But this was ONE of my favorite musicals still to this day other than "Titanic" A New Musical. The two show stoppers were revivals back to back, and sold out shows every night. I was so blessed to see both shows lived with both original cast of that time.

[@battlegirldeb]

R.I.P. Marin Mazzie Broadway will miss you light.

[@lexschultz822]

my school is putting this on for our spring musical. right now, im just a freshman, so i am just a member of the immigrant ensemble, but i feel so lucky to be able to do a show of this caliber. rehearsals have been amazing so far!

[@mintypeggy8376]

i've never seen this musical, but this performance makes me go feral every single time its so good

[@user-le3ij5py6q]

OKAY BUT LIKE THIS IS SUCH A HYPE OPENING

[@joelsherrod2547]

NOW THAT IS A BROADWAY OPENING!!! Simply fantastic! Electric! Magnificent! "The people call iy RAGTIME!" Indeed!

[@jillkjv3816]

I traveled 1500 miles to see Ragtime on Broadway with the original cast. The new theater was huge and was jam packed. I've seen other productions since then but none compared to the original cast.

[@newname34695]

god i can’t stop watching the end group parts specifically, it’s just too beautiful

[@scottfowler2145]

The choreography on this is fantastic

[@daretoder]

What’s more amazing and sad is how this is still so relevant today…and we basically haven’t moved on from all of this!

[@Jordanpatrickhart]

What an incredible musical. Ragtime has a beautiful message of inclusivity, peace and hope for the future regardless of where you come from.

[@masonfarmer3786]

I was in this show I was little boy. I love the themes of this show because they are still relavent now

[@smichelle65]

I had the original concept album of "Ragtime" and fell in love with the music. I was sure when it eventually made it to Broadway it would sweep the Tonys. Unfortunately, 1998 was also the year of "The Lion King"...

[@alaskanbltundra]

when is NBC going to adapt this into a musical live thing?

[@hellolater4181]

My beautiful home! I was in it, too.

[@lexschultz822]

+Dylan Jones i mean... im doing this as a school production, so i would think they have a family friendly version.

[@musicaltheatergeek79]

Because it's too dark and depressing. If you noticed, the live musicals they've done (THE SOUND OF MUSIC, PETER PAN, THE WIZ, GREASE, HAIRSPRAY) are frothy and splashy. Also, they're put on during the Christmas season, when most people want light family entertainment, with the exception of GREASE, which was televised in late January. Incidentally, the original Broadway production of GREASE was raunchy and definitely not family friendly, but ever since the movie (which pretty much bowdlerized the play), every production has followed the film's changes, because it's lightweight and apparently more appealing to the masses. As good as it is, RAGTIME is not a crowd-pleaser. The original Broadway production did okay, but the 2009 revival flopped big time. It's just not a popular title among the populace, like the aforementioned musicals. At the end of the day, ratings and viewership are what matters most to the powers that be. (Too bad 'cause RAGTIME has never been more relevant than it is today.)

[@miawatson2146]

alaskanbltundra this is a show that either fox or NBC needs to do live, it's perfect for the current state of the us and the world, this is something the people need, not Jesus Christ Superstar.

[@mcslaggers4999]

@@musicaltheatergeek79 funny cause now they're doing rent

[@claraquandt5913]

I saw this at the ford theater in DC right before it closed a couple days ago and it was awesome. the cast was so talented

[@gaberrs2331]

Clara Quandt I also saw it at fords theatre such a spectacular show with great actors 👍

[@judechong1020]

I love old timey musicals/depressing shows, where are the revivals of ragtime, parade, and les mis?

[@theovl316]

Correct me if I am wrong but is that a young Lea Michelle at 3:27 ???

[@melirose89]

Yep that was Lea :)

[@broadwaymike92]

T PJ yup 10 years old

[@jonathandoelander6130]

Spoiled brat!

[@phdantascanal]

oh my god, i'm here like 24 years later........ this blew me away

[@luadmo4117]

My school just finished their production of Ragtime and lemme tell you this shit was amazing

[@karenkaren3189]

I saw this back in 1998-it was fabulous….and it shows that nothing is new-we are a nation of immigrants, of dynamic tension and change…the "good old days" are always over even as we live them.

[@kaem8586]

I got cast be to in the new Rochelle chorus and I'm so excited!

[@williamwhitaker5202]

one of my all time favs

[@SimirJohnson]

William Whitaker Same

[@ZOMBIEZAHNpakuto]

Just came home from watching this musical in my home town theatre - what an underrated musical gem!

[@brennafallon7253]

This makes me miss when I was in this show as the little girl.. good times

[@OfficialJoseLee]

Why does this make me cry? I love it.

[@rrgallo967]

Love this piece!!!

[@dfsdfsdf34]

Lia michelle is in this. We all know. We get it already for the 100th time. For the love of god stop fucking stroking yourselves to glee and just appreciate the genious of Ragtime without having to mindlessly point out Lia Michelle.

[@tracer740]

Yeah! That gets on my nerves! ... and what kind of name is 'Lia', anyhow?

[@Mia_M]

Liche Christ It's Lea. And there are girls named Lea.

[@skye4148]

In 1902 Father built a house at the crest of the Brodview Avenue hill in New Rochelle, New York, and it seemed for Some years thereafter that all the family's days would be Warm and fair. The skies were blue and hazy, Rarely a storm. Barely a chill La la la la... The afternoons were lazy, Everyone warm. Everything still. La la la la... And there was distant music, Simple and somehow sublime, Giving the nation A new syncopation- The people called it Ragtime! The days were gently tinted Lavender pink, lemon and lime. Ladies with parasols Fellows with tennis balls There were gazebos, and... The were no negroes. And everything was Ragtime! Up in harlem, people dance to a music that weres theirs and no ones elses, the sound of changing time, the music of a better days Listen to the Ragtime! Ladies with parasols, Fellows with tennis balls. There were no Negroes And there were no immigrants. They came from Western and Eastern Europe were the Thousands, no dream was too big, they would be the next J.P. Morgan, Evelyn Nesbit of henry ford it would be their century too it was oreland 1906 And there were ninety-four years to go! And there was music playing, Catching a nation in its prime... Beggar and millionaire Everyone, everywhere Moving to the Ragtime! And there was distant music Skipping a beat, singing a dream. La la la la A strange, insistent music Putting out heat, Picking up steam. La la la la The sound of distant thunder Suddenly starting to climb... It was the music Of something beginning, An era exploding, A century spinning In riches and rags, And in rhythm and rhyme. The people called it Ragtime... Ragtime! Ragtime! Ragtime! (p.s the lyrics is not full cause i can't understand the words they said, and some of the lyrics our wrong because i also cant understand what they were saying)

[@allisongorman1199]

Oh my goodness this staging is amazing😍

[@jovibaby]

Why am I crying? This isn't sad! I LOVE MUSICAL THEATRE.

[@Abbyneedsmetalhelp11]

AND EVERYTHING WAS RAGTIMEEEE

[@karenkaren3189]

I saw this with the original cast….amazing!

[@DavidCunningham-dj5ck]

The wonderful and amazingly talented Donna Dunmire at 0.50.

[@dawnmariebazemore3879]

I’m in ragtime at the Arden so come see it if u love ragtime ❤️

[@drewduboff3292]

It was a great production!

[@TheHolyMongolEmpire]

Simply amazing.

[@franceslynneburrus1775]

Time for a REVIVAL!

[@Zelli52]

frances lynne burrus they revived it last year in London. They also had a concert version on Ellis Island

[@musicaltheatergeek79]

There was a Broadway revival in 2009 (it was a flop) and there were London revivals in 2012 and 2016.

[@PundaExpress]

Just saw the revived one a few hours ago. Amazing.

[@JayGlamorous]

Awesome show, I'm so glad I was casted in 2009 at W.S.U

[@Calvero416]

Seriously. I know I haven't heard everything ever written but BEST MUSIC TO ANY MUSICAL EVER. EVER.

[@MikeA15206]

Expensive cast. God it huge!

[@slickswim5224]

Just saw ragtime today. Great musical

[@hellolater4181]

LOVE!! MY HOMETOWN!!

[@orlandocordova8818]

A Great Show! 🙂

[@user-rc3yk4jr2c]

Ahhhh his face at 3:22 he’s really enjoying himself out there

[@katelindseyjones]

Oh I miss being in ragtime soooo much

[@greenergrass4060]

I absolutely Love the part where they all danced together in a group! Props to: The Jewish lady holding her baby Skipping Girl in Red Dress Accordion Guy Umbrella woman in White Tateh spinning with his daugther

[@KHobbies_cina]

Thats a huge cast.

[@kathymeyers3021]

That shift at 2:21, when everything feels like it could spin out of control. Brilliant.

[@bway_car08]

Rest in peace beautiful Marin Mazzie

[@ChristineThomasOMeally]

And a tiny little Lea Michele as the Little Girl.

[@shiichan32]

I saw this musical at dreury lane theatre in oakland terrace illnois it was amazing

[@tbam73]

Brian Stokes Mitchell many years later playing Lea's dad on glee

[@karissaconway2719]

and they were les miz at hollywood bowl in 2008 together

[@kimr8122]

Here after reading about this in Dear America by Jose Antonio Vargas. Whoa.

[@jwsel]

That is correct. Lea was the Little Girl in the OBC. The girl from Archie Bunker's Place, Danielle Brisbois, is about the same age as Audra McDonald and would have been nearing 30 when Ragtime premiered. She was in Annie from 1977 to 1983.

[@MBAN123ily]

i want to see this now

[@LittleMiss456]

Yep, your right :) Thanks

[@hellolater4181]

My home.

[@TsarStefan]

iloveyou

[@6598102743]

The guy at 2:10 is just such a mood

[@randomness928]

Peter Friedman, the original Tateh, is now playing Frank in Succession on HBO Max!

[@courtneymartin7187]

I love the circling of the groups. And a baby Lea Michele.

[@Autostade67]

Both this electrifying opening number and Forman's 1981 film remind us constantly what a near perfect act of 'easy' genius Doctorow's Bicentennial novel is - a near effortless and epic (though terse) evocation of the central experience of post-Civil War American life in 1905, in 1975, and, alas in 2025. [And don't please don't correct me on my dates: I know its not 2025 and I know the Bicentennial was in 1976 - but for those of us alive in the time, there was already a cultural and promotional build toward it as early as 1968.]

[@hellolater4181]

my home

[@Jameswilliamson405]

❤❤❤😊

[@mmbr01rrf]

Definitely time RIGHT NOW for an appropriate REVIVAL. Slight lyric changes, etc.

[@musicaltheatergeek79]

Lyric changes?

[@AWlpsSHOW36]

The costuming is so interesting. The white Americans are wearing pure white. The African Americans are in darker colours and then there's the European immigrants in pure black. Really interesting and satisfying!

[@EmilySullivanits]

We need a revival asap

[@haineshisway]

I marvel at the ineptitude of the person who "directed" this for TV - we want to see the staging, not be in people's faces so that you miss the entire POINT of what's going on on that stage. And these nitwits win Emmys.