In the world of musical theatre, few collaborations are as iconic as the partnership between Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Their journey with Ragtime, a musical that has now become the toast of Broadway once again, is a testament to their enduring legacy. But what makes this revival truly special is the absence of a key figure: Terrence McNally, the visionary playwright who was once part of this creative triad. As the duo reflects on the current revival, they can't help but feel McNally's presence, and his absence, all at once.
Ahrens and Flaherty's partnership with McNally was a powerful one, marked by a shared vision of challenging institutional oppression through community-driven musicals. Ragtime, adapted from E.L. Doctorow's novel, was a labor of love for McNally, who poured his empathetic heart into the source material. The result was a musical that not only pushed boundaries but also left an indelible mark on the industry. McNally's work on Ragtime earned him his fourth Tony Award, and he remained an ardent champion of the show, seeing it through its first Broadway revival in 2009.
The current revival, which has now run longer than the 2009 iteration, is a bittersweet celebration for Ahrens and Flaherty. They are thrilled to see their creation come to life once again, but they can't help but feel McNally's ghost beside them. "This really was Terrence's dream," Ahrens notes, referring to Ragtime's home at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. "He thought that was the perfect theatre for it. And now, his dream is being fulfilled, and he's not here to see it." Flaherty adds, "Well, he's here. We think he's watching, we're pretty sure he's writing notes. And he's in our dreams. We're trying to acknowledge his notes. But it's bittersweet, for sure. Wherever he is, we hope he's proud."
The absence of McNally is felt not only in the creative process but also in the lives of Ahrens and Flaherty. They miss the man who was a part of their creative family, and they honor his memory by continuing to create art that challenges and inspires. "He's very present in our lives," Flaherty states definitively. "I know how much he loved the show, how much he loved the score, and as Lynn said, it was his dream to be in the Beaumont. There's no way he'd miss this."
The current revival of Ragtime is a testament to the enduring power of McNally's vision. The new energy infusing fresh intention into the material, particularly through the performances of Joshua Henry as Coalhouse Walker Jr., is a tribute to the man who believed in the show's potential. Henry's Coalhouse has been earning mid-show standing ovations all season, and his performance is a testament to the power of McNally's storytelling. "We managed to find the next one-of-a-kind person," Ahrens says of Henry. "Josh is extraordinary. He knows this is his moment, and he's taking it in such grace and humility and joy."
As the duo reflects on the current revival, they can't help but feel McNally's presence, and his absence, all at once. They are grateful for the opportunity to create art that challenges and inspires, and they honor McNally's memory by continuing to push the boundaries of musical theatre. "We wrote this show so many years ago, and to see it having this kind of renaissance is not only extraordinary and wonderful, but so moving and so empowering," Ahrens says. "The whole kit and caboodle of this experience has been once in a lifetime."
In the end, the current revival of Ragtime is a celebration of the enduring power of McNally's vision, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Ahrens and Flaherty. As they continue to create art that challenges and inspires, they honor the memory of the man who believed in their work, and they continue to push the boundaries of musical theatre. "We began writing the first songs for this show in 1994," Flaherty says. "Thirty-two years later, we're still following the beautiful arc that was laid out for us all those years ago. In a weird way, this revival feels like it is even more of a dialogue between the audience and the performers than it was in 1997. A lot of the audience doesn't know the show coming in, and they're responding to it with new energy."
As the Tony Awards approach, Ahrens and Flaherty can't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Will Ragtime get the duo a Tony win for Best Revival? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the current revival is a testament to the enduring power of McNally's vision, and a celebration of the enduring legacy of Ahrens and Flaherty.
