Brian Stokes Mitchell to lead ‘Ragtime’ on Ellis Island

Brian Stokes Mitchell will lead a concert of the sprawling musical "Ragtime" --  about the clash of cultures that created American culture -- in a special place: Ellis Island, the gateway for millions of immigrants.

The one-night-only show on Aug. 8 will also feature performances by Olivier Award-winner Laura Michelle Kelly and two-time Tony Award nominee Brandon Victor Dixon.

It will be directed by Sammi Cannold and produced by Suzanne Friedman with an eye toward making an immersive, full production of the American musical on Ellis Island next year.

"Ragtime" was adapted from E.L. Doctorow's sprawling novel of early 20th century America. It has a book by Terrence McNally and a score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. It was first seen on Broadway in 1998.

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