Catch the New Cast of ‘Ragtime’ Performing the Beloved Broadway Song ‘Wheels of a Dream’
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**Ragtime**, a musical celebrated for its compelling narrative, first premiered on Broadway in 1998. Set against the backdrop of turn-of-the-century America, it chronicles the experiences of three distinct groups. The production received four Tony Awards, including Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical for Audra McDonald, Best Book of a Musical for Terrence McNally, Best Orchestrations for William David Brohn, and Best Original Score for Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.
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Recently, Flaherty’s music and Ahrens’ lyrics have gained renewed attention on Broadway through the Lincoln Center Theater’s current revival of **Ragtime**, directed by Lear deBessonet. The revival has garnered critical acclaim and impressive ticket sales, even **setting a new record** for the highest weekly grosses in Lincoln Center Theater history. **Billboard** offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse at the cast recording of one of the musical’s most moving songs, “Wheels of a Dream.”
The promotional clip features three-time Tony nominee Joshua Henry in a vocal booth as he prepares for an emotive duet with Nichelle Lewis, a Broadway newcomer notable for her role in **The Wiz** in 2023. The original 1998 Broadway cast recording featured Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell performing “Wheels of a Dream.” The video also showcases the 28-piece orchestra, skillfully conducted by James Moore, featured in the new **Ragtime** cast album.
The 2025 Broadway cast recording of **Ragtime** is set for digital release on Friday, January 9, with physical copies available on CD beginning February 6 and vinyl on April 3. Pre-orders for the physical editions are currently accepted.
