9 Jan 2004
Caroline, or Change
Jeff and I went to see Caroline, or Change last weekend and were both totally blown away by it. While the music may not be as memorable as Tesori’s score for Violet, it wasn’t the simple mishmash of pastiche that some critics alleged. And Kushner’s lyrics and libretto were devastating. Now I know what it’s like to see an important piece of theatre in its original staging.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the planned Broadway transfer, if just so I can get the chance to see it again (and when it does transfer, they can just go ahead and engrave Tonya Pinkins name on her Tony). But as much as I can’t wait for a cast recording of the show, I’m really hoping that HBO or PBS will telecast it (and eventually release it on DVD), because there’s so much rich imagery that goes hand in hand with the sonic tapestry of the score.
i dunno, i have to say that i was particularly let down with Caroline or Change, particularly in relation to “The Story” playing at the neighboring theater at the Public. The show failed to affect me on an emotional level, and on a purely academic level, I thought Tony Kushner was particularly inept at writing lyrics… maybe that’s just me though. I say it pales in comparison to last season’s “Radiant Baby.”
jon collins | 9 Jan 2004