In the fine print of Peach State Summer Theatre’s “Ragtime,” there is a mention that the musical is based on a novel written by E.L. Doctorow. Some may also recall that this same novel served as the basis for the 1980s movie of the same name, probably best remembered for being actor James Cagney’s last big-screen film.

The musical features a script by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty, but it’s all based on award-winning author E.L. Doctorow’s book, “Ragtime.”

Published more than 30 years ago, “Ragtime” is set in the United States of the early 20th century. “Ragtime,” the book, is more epic than Doctorow’s more recent novel, “The March,” which was about Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman’s march across the South during the Civil War. “Ragtime” centers on numerous themes and characters.

Characters include a small family of a father, a mother, her younger brother, and a son; the proud musician who loves a stubborn woman who abandoned her baby; a cuckolded immigrant and his small child trying to find their place in America; the search for a more meaningful life by a socialite whose celebrity is akin to being the great-great-grandmother of the Paris Hilton phenomenon.

As he did in “The March,” Doctorow includes historical figures as his characters. “The March” included cameos by Sherman and Abraham Lincoln. “Ragtime” includes fuller roles as well as cameos for last-turn-of-the-century magician Harry Houdini, polar explorer Admiral Peary, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, J.P. Morgan, Henry Ford, etc.

Themes range from the emergence of the American century, the rise of celebrity culture and press, the integration of immigrants into the American identity, the shame and violence of racism, anarchists, the rise of women’s liberation, and the music of the ragtime genre. With deft skill, Doctorow addresses these issues within the contexts of his many plots and characters while also providing humor, human pathos, sex and a thrilling manhunt.

All of these characters and themes are blended and united through Doctorow’s hypnotic narrative. “Ragtime” is epic in scope but not in the number of pages. It is a brisk, large-type 300 pages. The epic comes through Doctorow’s well-chosen words and sentences which he shapes into real people amidst historic events. “Ragtime,” the novel, is worth seeking. It may have been written 30 years ago about events that are now 100 years in our past, but it remains a fresh, enthralling read.

If “Ragtime,” the musical, touches upon only part of the novel’s themes, it will be an epic show and a moving one.

SHOWTIME

Peach State Summer Theatre presents “Ragtime.”

When: Show plays 7:30 p.m., June 20, 21, 24, 26, 28; 3 p.m., June 29; 7:30 p.m., July 2, 5, 8, 10, 11; 3 p.m., July 13.

Where: Sawyer Theatre, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood.

Individual ticket: $25, adult; $20, senior adult (ages 65-older) or student; $18, groups of 10 or more.

Other PSST! shows: “Singin’ in the Rain” has been playing since late May and continues through mid-July; “Disney’s Aladdin” has been playing since last week and continues through mid-July.