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Singing for the thinking people
MUSICAL: CAROLINE, OR CHANGE
National theatre
WITH this autumn’s abundance of West End musicals, including Spamalot, Wicked and Dirty Dancing, the National Theatre is offering Tony Kushner’s (book and lyrics) musical with music by Jeanine Tesori.
First directed in New York’s Public Theatre three years ago by George C Wolfe, this musical for thinkers is set in Lake Charles, Louisiana, between November and December 1963.
The action centres on black maid Caroline Thibodeaux (Tonya Pinkins) who as a divorcee barely makes ends meet for her three young children by working for affluent Jewish family, the Gellmans.
Unsurprisingly the play is steeped in social and political conscience – President Kennedy has just been assassinated – and its impact is felt on all sides.
It is eight-year-old Noah Gellman (played by either Greg Bernstein, Perry Millward and Jonny Weldon) who befriends Caroline.
Unlike others within his family he does not see things in terms of black and white. The grey in between relates to his intimate feelings for her – his mother is dead and he cares little for his objectionable stepmother Rose (Anna Francolini).
The Change in the title refers to the upheaval that is happening in America and the loose money that Noah often leaves in his laundry which Rose allows Caroline to keep.
Caroline’s mixed views on this leads to a crisis after Rose’s father (Hilton McRae) gives Noah $20 during the Jewish festival of Chanukah which ends up in Noah’s laundry. Her dilemmas are observed by the all-seeing, all-knowing magnificent moon played by Angela M Caesar.
Aside from the interesting quandaries that arise in the play, it also offers an amazing score including Motown, klezmer and blues. Added to this there is strong acting particularly from Pinkins and Clive Rowe as Caroline’s dryer – he also sings the cry for the death of JFK as a night bus. Other parts of Caroline’s kitchen also come alive, including her washing machine, played by Malinda Parris.
This production represents change in the current crop of musical offerings. Its original and compassionate tale makes for an alluring theatrical evening.
In rep until Jan 4
click here to book tickets or call CNJ booking line: 0870 040 0070
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