On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Kennedy Catholic (KCPS) and St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) students and parents went back in time to the turn of the century, through Ragtime the musical, at Lincoln Center. It was a colder-than-usual Veterans Day, but we braved the elements to see this wonderful revival hit the stage. We departed from Kennedy at 3:30pm on a charter bus listening to broadway music hits on the radio. Our group was led by Mrs. Atkinson, part of the KCPS/SMA Family Association, with the help of chaperones.

Our trip started with a talkback with podcasters Jeff Malone and Richie Grasso, hosts of Half Hour with Jeff and Richie on the Broadway Podcast Network. They gave us insight into the inner workings of theater and how much work goes into putting on a spectacular performance. We asked them questions and talked about our favorite plays and broadway shows, and had a great time. After that, it was time for the show. We walked through the courtyard of Lincoln Center to the Vivian Beaumont Theatre, where Ragtime is currently playing. The stage in the theater was unique because it was round which gave an interesting perspective from all angles.

The play Ragtime begins in the year 1902 and ends in 1906, in New York City. The story follows three families whose stories all overlap. The story brings you through the ups and downs of this era, from discrimination, to workers rights, to women’s changing roles in society, to even a change in music. It shows you the reality of living in the early 1900s, but also shows the waves of change that were starting to develop. The play got its name from a style of music from this time period called Ragtime. Ragtime was a shift from classical music to more Jazz and Blues. This symbol of change is an important element in this production.

Overall, the play was spectacular, the music was stunning, the use of props was very creative and clever, the actors were so genuine and talented, and the storytelling was so heartfelt. There were many tearjerkering and beautiful moments throughout the play.

Thank you to the KCPS/SMA Family Association for this unique opportunity. We learned so much about the art of theater and had a wonderful time seeing Ragtime.

This article was contributed by Victoria Straley ’29.