The Brooklyn theatre company presents the first New York-area return of the 2003 musical since the original Broadway production. Caroline features a score by Tesori (Shrek, Thoroughly Modern Millie), with book and lyrics by Kushner (Angels in America). Jeremy Gold Kronenberg will direct the production that will run through Feb. 21.
Joining Duncan will be several regional Caroline veterans including Eileen Tepper as Rose Stopnick Gellman, Elyse McKay Taylor as Emmie Thibodeaux, Frank Viveros as Bus/Dryer and Nikki Stephenson as Radio.
The company will also include Gisela Adisa (Moon), River Aguirre (Joe Thibodeaux), Heather Davis (Radio), Markeisha Ensley (Radio), Peter Gantenbein (Stuart Gellman), Marcie Henderson (Washing Machine), Daniel Henri Luttway (Noah Gellman), Gael Schaefer (Grandma Gellman), Ellisha Marie Thomas (Dotty), Barrington Walters (Jackie Thibodeaux), Bill Weeden (Mr. Stopnick) and John Weigand (Grandpa Gellman).
"Set in 1963 in sleepy Lake Charles, Louisiana, Caroline, or Change centers its action on the Gellman family and their African-American maid. Caroline is drifting through her life, nearly paralyzed by her circumstances - a single mother of four working in a service job to a white family. The thunder of the civil rights movement and John F. Kennedy's death is distant, yet reverberates deeply through the script, provoking all characters to see their lives in a new light and either embrace or reject the larger social changes that are in motion. Caroline herself ultimately must choose between continuing on as her 'implacable' and proud self and her family's welfare. Does she, or doesn't she?," press notes read.
Caroline, or Change will have musical direction by Nehemiah Luckett and choreography by Michael Rice. Set design is by Edward T. Morris, costume design is by Soule Golden, lighting design is by Mike Billings and sound design is by Jillian Walker. Caroline, or Change premiered at the Public Theater in 2003, under the direction of George C. Wolfe. The musical transferred to Broadway in 2004 where it received Tony nominations for Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, Best Actress (Tonya Pinkins), Best Featured Actress (Anika Noni Rose) and Best Direction. Rose earned a Tony Award for her performance. The production later earned the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, when it premiered in London in 2007, with Pinkins and Scott reprising their respective duties.
For tickets call (718) 595-0547 or visit galleryplayers.com.
The Gallery Players is located in Park Slope, Brooklyn, at 199 14th Street. Those in Manhattan can reach the theatre by taking the F train to 4th Avenue or the R train to 9th Street.
