Joshua Henry revels in his Tony Award win and shares advice for young performers
On his fourth Tony nomination, the longtime Broadway favorite was an awards frontrunner for his powerhouse performance as Coalhouse Walker Jr.
Four’s a charm. For his role as the revolutionary Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime, Joshua Henry was honored with the Tony Awards as the Best Actor in a Musical.
While he was widely expected to win, Henry, who’d been up for a Tony three previous times, could barely contain his thrill as he accepted his prize. He plans to follow his burst of joy with a bit of quiet reflection.
“I can't wait to go home and to hug my boys, get in a good wrestling session, and go for a walk in Central Park,” he said in a press conference after his win. “Just reflect on the last, like, two years. It's been quite a journey with this piece, but I'm feeling incredible. I just want to spend some time in silence and in gratitude taking it in.”
Based on the 1975 novel Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow, the musical weaves three main stories of early-1900s New Yorkers: a white upper-class family’s shifting life, Black pianist Coalhouse's fight for justice, and immigrant Tateh’s rise from poverty to success.
Asked what it means to be playing Coalhouse now and to win Broadway’s top prize for his work, Henry reflected on one of his soaring songs about looking to the future. “Singing a song like ‘Wheels of a Dream,’ you have to know what a dream is,” he said.
“I've been dreaming for a long time, 20 years into the game. So, it was amazing to step into this role, and I can’t wait to get back to the theatre and do it again.”
Asked for his advice for young actors starting out in theatre, the newly minted Tony Award winner revealed himself a big believer in that careers take patience, time, and tending.
“I was supposed to go to Broadway with Hamilton, and I didn't,” he said, pointing out that careers come with ups and downs and disappointments.
“I would say to young people who want to do theatre: You can't rush a good meal; you can't rush a seasoned performance,” he said. “There's a reason that Grandma's meal tastes a lot better than microwavable meals, and that's how it is for your career.”
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Photo credit: Joshua Henry in Ragtime on Broadway. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ragtime playing?
Ragtime is playing at Vivian Beaumont Theater - Lincoln Center Theater. The theatre is located at 150 West 65th Street, New York, 10023.
How long is Ragtime?
The running time of Ragtime is 2hr 50min. Incl. 15min intermission.
How do you book tickets for Ragtime?
Book tickets for Ragtime on New York Theatre Guide.
What's the age recommendation for Ragtime?
The recommended age for Ragtime is Ages 10+. Children under the age of 5 are not permitted..
What is Ragtime about?
Ragtime is a sprawling story of New York at the dawn of the twentieth century as three families from different backgrounds collide in search of the American Dream.
What are the songs in Ragtime?
The songs feature music inspired by the ragtime genre itself along with soaring solos, duets, and big ensemble numbers including "New Music," "Til We Reach That Day," "Journey On," "Back to Before," and "Wheels of a Dream."
Who wrote Ragtime?
Ragtime is written by a trio of venerable Broadway legends: a lush score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens and a stirring book by Terrence McNally.
Who directs Ragtime?
Tony Award nominee Lear deBessonet directs, marking her inaugural production as Lincoln Center Theater's new Artistic Director.
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