Direct from a smash-hit run on London's West End, this new production of Tony Kushner (Angels in America) and Jeanine Tesori's (Fun Home) explosive musical launches to "the titanic dimensions of greatness" (Ben Brantley, The New York Times). The "incandescent" (Holly Williams, Time Out London) Sharon D Clarke stars in an exhilarating, Olivier Award-winning performance as Caroline, an African-American maid whose world of 1963 Louisiana ripples with change both large and small. Erupting with transcendent songs and larger-than-life imagination, Caroline, or Change explores how, in times of great transformation, even the simplest acts shake the earth.
For everyone’s protection and peace of mind, Roundabout is requiring proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with an FDA or WHO-authorized vaccine for our audiences—as well as artists and staff. We will require proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test for anyone under the age of 12 and those who are unvaccinated due to a disability or religious belief.
Longhurst's revival is strongly sung, led by the astounding vocals of Sharon D. Clarke in the title role. One of the delights of 'Caroline' is watching household objects come to life in an adult musical, and it's hard to imagine the prominent roles of the Washing Machine (Arica Jackson), the Radio (Nasia Thomas, Nya, and Harper Miles), the Moon (N'Kenge), and the Dryer and the Bus (Kevin S. McAllister) being more robustly impersonated vocally. Sitting through this 'Caroline,' I often thought how superior the singing here was to the Met Opera's new 'Fire Shut Up in My Bones.'
Some of director Michael Longhurst's ideas pay off (displaying the town's statute of a Confederate soldier both before and after it is vandalized, emphasizing the swampy physical environment, a post-climactic rainfall special effect) and others are awkwardly inserted and strained (having many scenes performed on a narrow balcony level, incorporating a turntable). 'Caroline, or Change' ought to be better appreciated today. Not only have people had more time to absorb its score, its plot (which reflects upon systemic and unconscious racism) speaks directly and powerfully to the current cultural moment.
2002 | Off-Broadway |
Workshop Off-Broadway |
2003 | Off-Broadway |
Original Off-Broadway Production Off-Broadway |
2004 | Broadway |
Broadway Transfer Broadway |
2004 |
West Coast Tour |
|
2006 | Washington, DC (Regional) |
Studio Theatre Revival Washington, DC (Regional) |
2006 | London |
Royal National Theatre Production London |
2018 | West End |
London Revival West End |
2021 | Broadway |
Roundabout Theatre Company's Broadway Revival Broadway |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2022 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Musical | Sharon D Clarke |
2022 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Musical | Caroline, Or Change |
2022 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Awards | Sharon D Clarke |
2022 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Musical | Caroline, Or Change |
2022 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Musical | Sharon D Clarke |
2022 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) | Caroline, or Change |
2022 | Tony Awards | Best Costume Design of a Musical | Fly Davis |
2022 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical | Sharon D Clarke |
2021 | Theatre World Awards | Theatre World Awards | Sharon D Clarke |
Videos