Broadway mothers face unique challenges, including the case of 'Mother' from 'Ragtime'.

Caissie Levy's Broadway debut as Elsa marked a milestone, followed by notable roles in "Hair" and "Ghost," setting her up for potential Tony success with "Ragtime."

Caissie Levy's early Broadway credits include her iconic portrayal of Elsa in "Frozen," where she brought the icy Queen of Arendelle to life on stage. Prior to this, she embodied free-spirited characters in productions like "Hair" and "Ghost."

She has portrayed numerous mothers on stage, including one confined to bed in an Off-Broadway production of "The Bedwetter," another battling bipolar disorder in London's "Next to Normal," a stepmother struggling to connect in the Broadway revival of "Caroline or Change."

In the current Broadway revival of "Ragtime," a critically acclaimed musical based on E.L. Doctorow's novel, one character stands out: Mother. This complex figure is at the helm of a prosperous suburban family, and as the story unfolds, she undergoes a significant transformation from devoted wife to self-assured individual. The show's creators, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, have crafted a powerful narrative that explores the hopes and dangers of early 20th-century America through its rich musical score.

Levy's portrayal has garnered widespread acclaim, marking a milestone in her 20-year career. Her recent Tony nomination, secured just last month, has catapulted her to the forefront of contenders for this year's award, with many predicting she will take home the prize at the ceremony scheduled for Sunday night.

At a recent discussion at Lincoln Center Theater, where "Ragtime" is being produced by the non-profit theater company, Levy shared insights into her work and personal life, including her experiences as a mother.

After years of triumphs, you're now facing the ultimate recognition: a Tony nomination, a milestone that's both thrilling and intimidating at the same time.

Being a Broadway mother is no easy feat. People don't pursue this career path solely for the accolades; they're driven by a passion for storytelling and the thrill of bringing characters to life on stage. The highs are exhilarating, but the lows can be brutal – it's a rollercoaster ride that demands resilience. To be acknowledged in such a way is a validation that surpasses any personal expectations. I've had my share of disappointments over the years, wondering if this moment would ever arrive. As one of the nominees, we sign our names in the Tonys scrapbook, and I penned "All Things in Time" – a poignant reminder that everyone's journey unfolds at their own pace. After two decades of working alongside some of my idols, it was finally my turn to shine, receiving words of encouragement from those who've been with me every step of the way.

The initial run of "Ragtime" on Broadway didn't quite resonate with audiences as expected initially. What factors contribute to its current success, in contrast to its earlier performance?

The lyrics and lines in this production feel remarkably contemporary. "Ragtime" is receiving long-overdue recognition, a timely tribute to the human experience. Amidst widespread injustices and desperation, a beacon of optimism shines through.

My portrayal is that of a strong-willed woman.

Living in a bygone era, she embodies modernity within an outdated context. Her choices are revolutionary, influencing those closest to her while radiating outward to reshape her surroundings with each bold decision.

Throughout the performance, her character undergoes significant transformation.

The portrayal of Mother is a gradual transformation. Initially, she presents herself with a sense of restraint, but as the story unfolds, her inhibitions fade, culminating in an unbridled expression at the beach. To illustrate this metamorphosis, I reserve my most powerful vocal range for the latter part of the performance. As Mother evolves into her new identity, her voice and physical presence become more confident and robust, reflecting her growth as a character.

Representation for Jewish actors holds significant value in your opinion, but what are your thoughts on portraying a character from a different cultural background now?

Playing a Jewish character wasn't possible for me until "Caroline, or Change" and "Leopoldstadt", which allowed me to infuse the roles with my heritage and upbringing. Those experiences have given me a deep sense of connection to this particular part. The character of Mother resonates deeply within me, drawing from memories of my grandmothers and mother.

After contributing to the creation of "The Lost Boys" musical over several years, you were initially set to remain involved with "Ragtime" temporarily before transitioning to it in the upcoming season, but your plans shifted unexpectedly.

Starting a new year brought immense challenges for my loved ones and me. As a parent of two young children, aged 10 and 5, I've learned that juggling family life with a career is an ongoing struggle. My husband and I work together as any couple would, but the demands of our profession inevitably affect our home life. Finding equilibrium between providing for my kids' needs and pursuing my own ambitions has been a continuous battle. I aim to prove to others that it's possible to balance family responsibilities with professional aspirations, even if it means accepting imperfections along the way.

The decision was made due to pressing family obligations that I prefer not to elaborate as they concern my children's well-being. However it became evident that juggling a new rehearsal process, tech run, previews, and opening night would be unsustainable for me at this particular juncture. Once I entered the preview and tech phases, I would essentially be absent from home for 12 hours daily. Fortunately, I had the privilege of continuing with this remarkable production and character, which has been a blessing to experience firsthand. Nevertheless, it's undeniable that making such choices can be quite demanding.

Broadway mothers often encounter distinct difficulties.

Raising children is a daunting task across various sectors, yet it's essential we strive for better approaches. By analyzing existing models and experimenting with new ideas, we can make progress in this area. Embracing more collaborative parenting methods could be beneficial. This might involve sharing responsibilities more evenly or providing alternatives that allow for more frequent breaks. Such changes could help retain talented individuals who have been forced to leave their careers due to family obligations. Many exceptional women have had to abandon their professional pursuits because they wanted to become mothers, leaving us to wonder about the types of work they would be doing in other circumstances.

Those two productions, "Ghost" and "Frozen," did not yield the desired financial returns initially. What lessons can be drawn from such outcomes?

Growing up on Broadway had a profound impact on me, thanks to the guidance of experienced mothers who mentored me through each production. As I took on new roles, I rapidly gained valuable skills and maturity, learning essential teamwork, self-advocacy, and character advocacy techniques. My breakthrough as a leading lady came with "Ghost," where I was thrust into a high-pressure situation at a young age but reveled in the challenge. While no performance is flawless, I was proud of many aspects of that show. The magnitude of "Frozen" was undeniable, and I seized the opportunity to assert my presence and claim my space on stage, a skill I continue to refine.

You garnered widespread praise for your performance in "Next to Normal" at a London theater, though the show won't be moving to Broadway.

No one is more eager for that show to open on Broadway than I am, despite the current lack of discussion about it. The live-capture production has been a game-changer, allowing our entire team's hard work to be shared with a wider audience, and I'm thrilled that my own performance is now accessible to everyone. Playing 'Mother' in 'Ragtime' was an incredibly demanding experience, but one that ultimately made me a more confident actor and pushed me to grow as a performer in many ways. As for the show's future, however, those decisions are beyond my control and fall outside of my salary range.

Considering the current landscape, what's your perspective on Broadway's overall status?

Witnessing the difficulties in launching large-scale productions firsthand reveals the immense challenge of bringing fresh ideas to life on Broadway. The allure of innovative storytelling is undeniable, as it embodies the future of our industry. While I don't claim to possess a solution for navigating today's rapidly changing landscape, I'm frequently asked by those I interact with about the next exciting narrative to emerge. The collective desire for something new and captivating is palpable, prompting us to explore ways to cultivate these stories and bring them to the stage.