Librettist-lyricist Tony Kushner and composer Jeanine Tesori's musical drama set in 1963 Louisiana is directed by David Schweizer. Performances will continue through Jan. 18, 2009.

Butler's Caroline Thibodeaux is joined onstage by Aaron Bell as Jackie Thibodeaux, Ta'Rea Campbell as the Radio, Danielle Lee Greaves as the Washing Machine, Joe Hickey as Stuart Gellman, Kelly McCreary as Emmie Thibodeaux, Sal Mistretta as Mr. Stopnick, Adrienne Muller as the Radio, Milton Craig Nealy as the Dryer/Bus, April Nixon as the Radio, Libya Pugh as Dotty Moffat, Trisha Rapier as Rose Stopnick, John Ramsey as Grandpa Gellman, Carole Schweid as Grandma Gellman and Renn Woods as The Moon with J. Bradley Bowers and Matthew Demtrides alternating in the role of Noah Gellman and Roland Haywood and Brett Johnson alternating in the role of Joe Thibodeaux.

Caroline, or Change, according to Centerstage, is described as such: "Can the promises of the Civil Rights Movement reach as deep as the overheated basement domain of Caroline Thibodeaux, a maid who works for the well-meaning Gellmans and struggles to keep her bitterness in check?"

The creative team also includes Wayne Barker (music director), Kenneth Lee Roberson (choreographer), Allen Moyer (scenic designer), David Burdick (costume designer), James F. Ingalls (lighting designer), Ryan Rumery (sound designer), Drew Lichtenberg (production dramaturg), Mike Schleifer (stage manager), Jeremy Wilcox (assistant stage manager), Joshua Luxenberg (assistant director), Warren Karp (assistant scenic designer) and John P. Woodey (assistant lighting designer).

E. Faye Butler recently starred in Ain't Misbehavin' at The Goodman and played the title role in Northlight Theatre's hit Ella, for which she won a Jeff Award. Caroline, or Change was first workshopped in May 1999 at The Public Theater, where it opened in 2003. After an Off-Broadway run it transferred to the Eugene O'Neill Theatre and ran for a total of 136 performances, starring Tonya Pinkins in the title role. It was nominated for six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Actress, Best Score and Best Book. The musical won the Olivier Award in 2007, for Best New Musical.

For tickets visit www.centerstage.org or call (410) 332-0033.