Broadway Star Joshua Henry Finds Purpose in Ragtime Revival

The acclaimed actor reflects on the timely relevance of the classic musical and the power of art to inspire empathy.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a richly textured, glittering theater curtain, capturing the luxurious and glamorous atmosphere of the performing arts through dramatic lighting and abstract, high-contrast composition.The lavish textures of the theater set the stage for Joshua Henry's powerful performance in the Ragtime revival.NYC Today

Joshua Henry, a veteran Broadway performer known for roles in shows like Carousel, In the Heights, and Hamilton, is currently starring in a revival of the musical Ragtime at Lincoln Center. Despite the challenges of creating art in the current climate, Henry finds purpose in the show's ability to move audiences and foster empathy around themes of social injustice and the American Dream.

Why it matters

Ragtime's themes of systemic racism and the flawed promises of the American Dream still resonate powerfully today, making this revival a timely and important work of art. As a respected actor, Henry's perspective on the role of the arts in inspiring change and restoring hope is particularly insightful.

The details

Henry, 41, has had an acclaimed career on Broadway, with roles in several hit musicals. The Ragtime revival, which opened at Lincoln Center in the fall of 2025, has felt especially relevant to current events, with its exploration of social injustice and the broken promises of the American Dream. Despite the challenges of creating art in a divisive time, Henry finds fulfillment in the show's ability to move audiences and foster empathy.

  • The Ragtime revival opened at Lincoln Center in the fall of 2025.
  • Joshua Henry has starred in several hit Broadway musicals over the past two decades.

The players

Joshua Henry

A 41-year-old Broadway actor known for his roles in shows like Carousel, In the Heights, Waitress, and the U.S. Tour of Hamilton. He currently stars as Colehouse Walker Jr. in the Ragtime revival at Lincoln Center.

Ragtime

A musical adaptation of E.L. Doctorow's novel, exploring themes of social injustice and the flawed promises of the American Dream. The show has had two previous Broadway runs, in 1998 and 2009, but this latest revival at Lincoln Center in 2025 has felt especially timely.

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What they’re saying

“I'm in a flow of exactly what I'm supposed to be doing right now. I love that audiences are being moved [by Ragtime]; they're able to feel it in a visceral way.”

— Joshua Henry, Actor

“Some people say, 'You're not changing the world. You're singing, dancing, and acting.' But the ability to help people feel and empathize changes how they see their neighbor, how they see the person on the left or on the right.”

— Joshua Henry, Actor

What’s next

The Ragtime revival at Lincoln Center is scheduled to run through the spring of 2026, giving audiences more opportunities to experience the show's powerful themes.

The takeaway

In a time of division and uncertainty, Joshua Henry's performance in the Ragtime revival reminds us of the transformative power of art to inspire empathy, foster understanding, and help us see ourselves and our shared humanity in new ways.