Joshua Henry Reflects on ‘Ragtime’ Opening Night and Bringing Coalhouse Walker Jr. Back to the Broadway Stage
Moments before stepping onstage for “Ragtime”‘s opening night, star Joshua Henry was moved by a note from a familiar face in the audience. That someone was Brian Stokes Mitchell, who originated the role of Coalhouse Walker Jr. on Broadway in 1998. “The highlight of the night for me was seeing Stokes,” Henry says the afternoon after opening night. “He sent me a picture of him doing ‘Ragtime’ and a special note saying, ‘Coalhouse is now yours. It’s your voice, it’s your soul. And so enjoy it.’” The packed house included fellow “Ragtime” originating cast member Audra McDonald and other members of the Broadway community like Rachel Zegler, Danielle Brooks, Ben Platt and Noah Galvin, Phillipa Soo, Michael Urie, Adrienne Warren, Danny Burstein and more. “ I feel really peaceful,” says Henry, at home with his family a few hours before needing to head back for the Friday evening performance. “A little tired. But really full, since it’s been such a long journey. I’m proud. I’m thankful. I feel a lot of things; a lot of feelings.” “Ragtime” opening night bows. Courtesy of Valerie Terranova Henry first took on the role of Coalhouse last fall for the production’s off-Broadway run at New York City Center and returned this

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