Fresh off 4 Tony Award wins, Shea's Buffalo to launch North American tour of 'Ragtime'

Tony Award-winning Best Musical Revival hits road from Buffalo in fall 2027

Shea’s Performing Arts Center press release

One day after taking home Broadway’s highest honor, Shea’s Performing Arts Center announced “Ragtime” is launching a North American tour at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. The 2026 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Revival of “Ragtime,” directed by Kewsong Lee Artistic Director Lear deBessonet, will tech and launch at Shea’s Buffalo in the fall of 2027, giving Western New Yorkers the first opportunity to experience the production before it continues onto cities across the U.S. and Canada.

In total, “Ragtime” earned four Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical, Best Sound Design of a Musical for Kai Harada, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for Joshua Henry, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role of a Musical for Caissie Levy. Broadway critics have called the revival “the show of the moment,” “glorious,” “a staggering, stunning triumph” and “a brightly shining revival.” 

Ragtime is the adaptation of E. L. Doctorow’s classic novel that follows three fictional families in pursuit of the American dream at the dawn of the 20th century: Black pianist Coalhouse Walker, Jr. and his beloved Sarah; Jewish immigrant Tateh and his little girl; and a wealthy white family led by matriarch Mother. All grasping for the same dream, if only they can hold onto it.

 “Being selected as the premiere venue for the tour of this Tony Award-winning production is a testament to what Shea’s has built over a century: relationships, reputation, and a community of theatergoers who are enthusiastic about great work,” said Brian Higgins, president and CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center. “We are incredibly proud to welcome ‘Ragtime.’ This is exactly the kind of story Shea’s was built for.” 

“It’s a real honor to kick off the North American tour of ‘Ragtime’ at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre,” said Shea’s Broadway presenting partner Albert Nocciolino. “This is the kind of production people talk about long after the curtain comes down – remarkable in scale and deeply moving. We’re thrilled to welcome it to our stage and proud to share it with our community first.” 

“ ‘Ragtime’ is one of the most ambitious musicals ever written, and it feels timelier than ever,” said producers Tom Kirdahy, Kevin Ryan, Robert Greenblatt and Lamar Richardson in a statement. “What Lear deBessonet and this extraordinary company have created at Lincoln Center Theater is both epic in scale and deeply human. We couldn’t be more excited to share it with communities across North America.”

“Ragtime” will be the first engagement in the Shea’s Buffalo 2027-28 Broadway season. Ticket availability and performance dates will be announced at a later time. The best way to stay informed about “Ragtime” and other upcoming touring Broadway productions is to become a Shea’s season subscriber, providing early access to season announcements, ticket opportunities, and the latest updates.

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