Before there was Ragtime, there was Tintypes. The musical, which mixes traditional and popular songs from turn-of-the-century America, celebrates its 20th anniversary with its first New York revival, opening Nov. 20 at the Melting Pot Theatre.

Employing early 20th Century hits like "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Grand Ole Flag" and "Motherless Child," Tintypes tells the story of pre-World War I America through the personalities of the times, including President Theodore Roosevelt, anarchist Emma Goldman and naughty, but glamorous Broadway star Anna Held, who inspired Ziegfeld's Follies. Nominated for three Tony Awards in 1981, Tintypes was conceived by Mary Kyte, Mel Marvin and Gary Peale. Director Jerry Zaks and Lynne Thigpen were featured in the original company.

Nick Corley, who will play Bob Crachitt in Madison Square Garden's A Christmas Carol, directs. His company is Johmaalya Adelekan (Ragtime), Josh Alexander (Taller Than a Dwarf), Mark Lotito (Marie Christine, Victor/Victoria), Michele Ragusa (Ragtime, Titanic) and Christine Rea (Jesus Christ Superstar).

Jennifer Paulson Lee choreographs. Musical direction is by Greg Pliska. Michael Brown (The Price, Unwrap Your Candy) designed the set with lighting by Jeff Croiter and costumes by Daryl Stone (Cobb).

Tintypes plays through Dec. 30. Tickets are $45. The Melting Pot Theatre stages Tintypes at their new home, the McGinn Cazale Theatre at 2162 Broadway at 76th Street. For tickets, call (212) 279 4200. — By Christine Ehren