This summer, the landmark musical Ragtime is opening at the FIM Flint Repertory Theatre, and Producing Artistic Director Michael Lluberes says he is thrilled.

“It’s a modern classic. This is the 25th anniversary of the show’s premiere on Broadway. It seemed like a perfect time to reimagine it for our audiences.”

The musical, adapted from E.L. Doctorow’s novel of the same name, brings the tension-filled streets of 20th century New York to life through the timeless stories of three Americans: a white female socialite, a determined Jewish immigrant artist and a daring black musician. Each story reveals the joys and perils of navigating social class, freedom, prejudice, hope and despair.

Lluberes says the story is as relevant today as it was decades ago and is a perfect show to reimagine.

“Part of our work at the Flint Rep is to investigate these American musicals and look at them in new ways. In past seasons we’ve explored The Fantasticks, Into the Woods and Assassins. I’m curious about how Ragtime could play in 2023 and what themes could be emphasized. We’re at a boiling point in America right now in terms of facing issues of race, immigration and women’s rights. All these issues are what the characters are facing in Ragtime.”

The Flint Rep’s version of Ragtime is much more intimate. The staging will be a chamber-style production in FIM Elgood Theatre.

“What will be so exciting for audiences is they get to experience this sweeping drama in a completely fresh way, right in front of their eyes,” Lluberes explains. “I’m very interested in deconstructing the show, cracking it wide open, and casting a small, diverse group of actors who represent all of America. This is a bucket-list show for so many musical theatre actors. We’re going to have some extraordinary talent on the stage.”

The show runs from June 9 – 25 to close the theatre’s 2022-23 season.