Fountain Hills Theater (FHT) announces the opening of the musical “Ragtime,” a sweeping musical portrait of early 20th-century America.

Set in the volatile melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York, three distinctly American tales are woven together – that of an upper-class white mother, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring Black musician united by their courage and belief in the promise of the future.

They confront history’s contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom, prejudice, hope and despair and what it means to live in America.

“Ragtime” is the winner of the 1998 Tony Awards for Best Score, Book and Orchestrations and both the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical and Best Score.

FHT has wanted to present “Ragtime” for several seasons but various reasons prevented this musical from being produced.

Now, Hill is finally able to work on this musical.

“I saw the show on Broadway and fell in love with it from the first notes,” Hill said. “In fact, following the opening number, my wife Noel asked me, ‘Are you all right?’ ‘Of course,’ I replied, ‘why are you asking?’ ‘Because,’ she said, ‘you’re crying’. I didn’t even realize I was, but I replied, ‘I think it may be because I may never put something on stage that good.’”

“Ragtime” contains the presentation and discussion of systemic racism and historical inequities for Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), immigrants and females in early 1900s America.

It contains the use of racist and offensive language, including hate speech as well as simulated physical violence and murder as constructed by the playwright and consistent with the intent of the artist. Viewer discretion is advised.

“Ragtime” is directed by FHT Artistic Director Peter J. Hill, musically directed by Kathleen Berger and choreographed by Andrew McDuff.

“Ragtime” will play Sept. 6-22, with performances Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

All performances take place at Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd.

For reservations, call 480-837-9661x3 or visit fhtaz.org.

Individual tickets are $40 for adults and $18 for youth 17 and under.