The 50th Anniversary Of 'Ragtime' Calls For A Special Celebration In Its Birthplace

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Lincoln Center Theater revival of the musical Ragtime began previews last week and was sold out for three performances, but you don't need to head to Manhattan to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the novel written by a hometown hero, this weekend in New Rochelle.

The New Rochelle Public Library announced that it will be honoring the 50th anniversary of Ragtime, the famous 1975 novel by longtime New Rochelle resident E.L. Doctorow, with a weekend of celebratory programs on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5.

"Ragtime was hailed as a groundbreaking work that interwove historical figures with fictional characters, capturing the sweeping social, cultural, and political changes of early 20th-century America," the library explained. "Its resonance endures five decades later, inspiring award-winning adaptations for film and Broadway."

The New Rochelle Public Library's upcoming Ragtime Celebration Weekend invites the community to revisit this literary masterpiece through film, live performance, and conversation with leading artists who helped bring Doctorow's vision to the stage.

Ragtime Celebration Weekend Schedule

Ragtime Film Screening (155 minutes, Rated PG)

Saturday, October 4, 1 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
"Experience Miloš Forman's epic adaptation of Ragtime, nominated for eight Academy Awards. Presented in its latest digital restoration, the film features an all-star cast including James Cagney, Howard E. Rollins Jr., Elizabeth McGovern, Mary Steenburgen, Debbie Allen, and Mandy Patinkin."

Celebrating 50 Years of Ragtime

Sunday, October 5, 2 p.m.–4 p.m.

• 2 p.m.-3 p.m.: "Musician Caroline Doctorow honors her father's legacy with a multimedia program featuring family photos, personal stories, passages from the novel, and a live performance of period-inspired songs."
• 3:15 p.m.-4 p.m.: "Tony Award–winning composer and lyricist Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens reflect on the creation of Ragtime the Musical, its cultural impact, and its much-anticipated Broadway revival opening October 16, 2025. The conversation will be moderated by Ralph Sevush, Executive Director of Business Affairs, The Dramatists' Guild."

"New Rochelle has always been proud to call E.L. Doctorow one of our own," Eugenia Schatoff, Executive Director of the New Rochelle Public Library, said. "Fifty years after its publication, Ragtime continues to inspire and challenge us with its exploration of identity, justice, and the American dream. We're thrilled to bring together artists, family, and community members to celebrate this milestone."

All events are free, and will take place in the Ossie Davis Theater at the New Rochelle Public Library, located at 1 Library Plaza. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is requested and can be done here.