Felicity’s Score:4.5 washing machine cycles
Caroline, Or Change is the musical child of Tony Kushner (book and lyrics) and Jeanine Tesori (music). Based, in part, on the memories of Kushner’s upbringing, and a moment in his early life, Caroline, Or Change is about a moment in time for African-Americans and southern Jews. Set in Louisiana in the 60s, Caroline is a maid for the Gellman’s in a time where change, big and small, sweeps the nation. Mitchell Butel (director) and Lucy Bermingham (musical director) have staged a piece that takes full advantage of the humour and tragedy inherent in Kushner’s words, ensuring the performers do the music justice.
Elenoa Rokobaro (the titular role – Caroline Thibodeaux) and Amy Hack (Rose Stopnick-Gellman) are standout talents, the main reasons for my (very rare) standing ovation. Rokobaro is a wonder, the prowess of her vocal ability fills the room with awe. Her final moments in ‘Lot’s Wife’ and ‘Underwater’ are the highlights of the show for me. Amy Hack is a joy. Bringing vulnerability and comedy to each moment so naturally, she turns even the most mundane conversations into something powerful. Rokobaro and Hack are able to shine in both ensemble and solo performances, with tenacity and heart in every scene.
Yvete Lee’s choreography adds charm and sizzle to the production, the radio trio being a standout in this area. RUVA is an enchanting moon, her vocals giving chills in any role she plays. Emily Havea’s obvious acting talent and singing ability makes her an integral part of the Radio Trio, and beneficial scene partner to Rokobaro. Elijah Williams’ few vocal hiccups are more than made up with his spark and charm as ‘Dryer’ and ‘Navy Man’ in particular. Ryan Yeates and Rokobaro’s work well together on stage. Simon Greer’s set and Alexander Berlage’s lighting create a visually stunning platform for the performance. A few set hiccups and vocal misses can be forgiven for an overall impressive production of Caroline, Or Change.
An exceptional cast dealing with technically challenging music, they received a well-deserved standing ovation.
Felicity Anderson – Theatre Now
Caroline, Or Change
Book & Lyrics by Tony Kushner, Music by Jeanine Tesori
23 Aug – 21 Sep 2019
Tue – Sat 7:30pm
Mon 6:30pm
Matinees Sat 2pm, WED 1PM
Venue: Hayes Theatre
Theatre Company: Hayes Theatre Co
Duration: Aprox 2 hours 30 mon (including interval)
Starring Elenoa Rokobaro as Caroline, Nkechi Anele, Andrew Cutcliffe, Alexandra Fricot, Amy Hack, Daniel Harris, Emily Havea, Tony Llewellyn-Jones, Genevieve Lemon, Ruva Ngwenya, Elijah Williams and Ryan Yeates
Mitchell Butel returns to Hayes Theatre Co to direct the Olivier Award-winning musical by Tony Kushner (Angels In America) and Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home, Violet).
1963, Louisiana. The president is dead and America is on the verge of one of the greatest social movements of the 20th Century. The Gellman’s maid, single mother of four, Caroline, shares a special bond with eight-year old Noah, who is heartbroken after the death of his mother and his father’s remarriage.
Sneaking down to the basement laundry to spend time with Caroline and a range of fantastical, anthropomorphic characters, Noah will find his relationship with Caroline tested by an attempt to put more money into Caroline’s pocket, devised by his stepmother, Rose.
Loosely based on Kushner’s own memories of growing up in Louisiana, Caroline or Change features a stunning score by Jeanine Tesori, combining spirituals, blues, Motown, classical, and Jewish klezmer and folk music.
Originally directed on Broadway by George. C. Wolfe
Director Mitchell Butel
Musical Director Lucy Bermingham
Choreographer Yvette Lee
Set Designer Simon Greer
Costume Designer Mel Liertz
Lighting Designer Alexander Berlage
Sound Designer Anthony Lorenz
Stage Manager Daniel Cottier
Ticket Prices
$65 – $75
