Take the serious issues of class and race, draw their compelling stories into the history of America, fashion that into a powerful musical production and you have the ingredients for Ragtime.

That Tony Award-winning musical drama is coming to Landmark Community Theatre in October in a lavish new staging that features a large cast with orchestra and a focus on how those issues are reflected in our current political and social landscape.

Ragtime: The Musical is based on the award-winning E.L. Doctorow novel from 1975, and its story is set in early 20th century America, centering on three groups: one black, one white, one immigrant.

“The interesting thing is these stories of immigration and the treatment of people of color and women empowerment still resonate today,” says Foster Evans Reese, the director of Ragtime for Landmark. “Everyone on stage was asked of their emotional connection to Ragtime during auditions … They all talked about how the stories are still relevant today and how this made them feel, sometimes optimistic and unfortunately sometimes dispirited.”

Reese, who is also the show’s choreographer, has directed other productions at Landmark (Mamma Mia) as well as productions at Seven Angels Theater and Watertown High School. The music director is Sean Lewis, who will be leading the orchestra for the performances.

In addition to the principal characters, Ragtime incorporates a number of historical figures into the staging, among them Harry Houdini, Booker T. Washington, J.P. Morgan, Emma Goldman and Henry Ford.

The musical score is by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, with the book by the acclaimed writer Terrence McNally, weaving together the themes of family, justice and courage.

Director Reese adds, “Great theater entertains; however, the best theater still has you thinking about what you experienced the next day.”

Starring in the production are local standouts Mensah Robinson, Alyssa Fontana Bunel, Meric Martin, Samantha Rae Bass, Olivia Johnson, Eric Lindblom and an ensemble featuring more than 40 actors.

The musical opens at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, with performances continuing at 8 p.m. Oct. 9, 10, 16 and 17, and 2 p.m. matinees on Oct. 4, 11 and 18. Tickets can be purchased online or you can call the box office at (860) 283-6250.