A 'Ragtime' For Our Times

The new NYC production of "Ragtime" is an epic portrait of American life in the early 20th century. Joshua Henry stars as Coalhouse Walker Jr., a celebrated pianist. Caissie Levy stars as Mother, a wealthy woman living in New Rochelle. And Brandon Uranowitz stars as Tateh, a poor Jewish immigrant from Latvia who arrives in America with his young daughter. For the first half of this conversation the three leads discuss their roles. Then, director Lear DeBessonet shares her approach to staging this massive and complex production, alongside actor Ben Levi Ross , who plays Younger Brother. " Ragtime " is running at Lincoln Center through January 4.