American stage actor Brandon Uranowitz said the Broadway revival of "Ragtime" feels like an "act of service" for him [1].
Uranowitz's perspective highlights the intersection of theatrical performance and social advocacy. By framing his role through the lens of service, he emphasizes that the production's themes of hope and justice extend beyond the stage and into the real world.
The production is staged at the Lincoln Center Theater in New York City [2]. In an interview conducted in May 2024, Uranowitz discussed his connection to the musical’s legacy and its focus on social justice [1]. He said the show allows him to contribute to a larger message that resonates with his own values.
"Ragtime feels like an act of service for me," Uranowitz said [1]. He said the show lets him give back to the story’s message of hope and justice, which is why it feels like a service [2].
This commitment to the material coincided with critical recognition for the actor. Uranowitz was nominated for Best Actor in a Musical at the 2024 Tony Awards [1]. The nomination recognized his performance in the revival during a season defined by a return to classic Broadway narratives.
Throughout the production, the actor has sought to honor the musical's legacy. He said the process of performing the piece allows him to engage with the historical and social complexities presented in the script — a task he views as a responsibility rather than just a professional engagement.
“"Ragtime feels like an act of service for me."”
Uranowitz's framing of his performance as a service reflects a growing trend among Broadway performers who view their roles in socially conscious revivals as a form of activism. By linking a high-profile Tony nomination to the pursuit of social justice, the actor underscores the potential for commercial theater to serve as a vehicle for civic engagement and historical reflection.
