March 30, 2023

Film & TV

Lea Michele reunites with Ragtime cast 25 years later: 'It's so incredible'

Lea Michele debuted on Broadway with Ragtime when she was only 11

By Jean Valjean March 30, 2023
Lea Michele reunites with Ragtime cast 25 years later

Lea Michele is basking in the Ragtime reunion.

The 36-year-old actress reunited with her costars of the former Broadway show at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City on the 25th-anniversary benefit concert.

The cast, including Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Peter Friedman and Judy Kaye reflected on the golden days of the production.

"For the past 25 years, this piece has touched the lives of so many audiences," Michele sported black Michael Kors dress for the event. "But for me, and for many of us here on this stage tonight, Ragtime forged a family; a family of actors, musicians, producers, stage managers, dressers, crew and creatives — people bonded by more than just the joyous work of putting on a show.

“We were brought together by the powerful message of this piece and the urgency of the story we had to tell," she shared.

The show opened at the theatre in January 1998 and ran for two years.

Michele played the role of The Little Girl, the daughter of Tateh, played by Peter Friedman.

"I was 11 years old when we started the show in Canada, and I was starstruck by the company," the actress recalled.

"The talent and power in every individual standing before me was undeniable. Even at the age of 11, I knew we were about to do something so special — not just for us, but for the world. I remember almost everyone's face I saw that first day, and it's so incredible seeing everyone here and reunited, 25 years later," she expressed.