Broadway on the Radio: 'Ragtime' at WNYC

All of It on WNYC presents a live, special episode of 'Broadway on the Radio' featuring the cast and creative team behind the acclaimed musical Ragtime, performed in the green space of WNYC in Soho. Hosted by Alison Stewart, the event brings together director Lear de Bessonet, actors Joshua Henry, Shana Taub, Ben Levi Ross, Casey Levy, Brandi Urenovich, Nichelle Lewis, and others for a powerful performance and candid conversation about the show’s enduring relevance. The cast reflects on how Ragtime—set in the early 20th century and exploring themes of identity, justice, and the American dream—resonates deeply in 2026, particularly in the wake of recent political and social upheaval. Personal stories emerge, including Casey Levy’s emotional full-circle journey from a child actor in the original tryout to playing Mother on Broadway, and Ben Levi Ross’s connection to his Jewish heritage through the character of Tate. The episode underscores the transformative power of theater as a space for collective healing, memory, and hope, with performances of standout songs like 'He Wanted to Say,' 'Gliding,' and 'Wheels of a Dream' anchoring the conversation. The discussion delves into the show’s historical and emotional depth, with cast members sharing how their characters embody different facets of resistance, resilience, and love. Shana Taub describes Emma Goldman as a joyful anarchist whose spirit of cooperation and defiance remains vital. Joshua Henry reflects on how Ragtime ignited his passion for storytelling through voice and song. The episode closes with a poignant reflection on how art—especially live theater—creates shared space for processing national identity, grief, and hope. The production’s extension through the 250th anniversary of the U.S. underscores its timely message: memory fuels hope, and storytelling is an act of resistance in a fractured world.