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Caroline, or Change: A Masterpiece of American Musical Theatre

Edward Reed

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Caroline, or Change is a musical with music and lyrics by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Tony Kushner. The musical tells the story of Caroline Thibodeaux, a young African-American maid working in a Jewish household in Louisiana in the 1960s. The musical explores themes of race, class, and identity, and features a score that blends gospel, blues, and jazz.

Caroline, or Change

by Tony Kushner

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	393 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	147 pages

Caroline, or Change premiered at the Public Theater in New York City in 2003. The musical was a critical and commercial success, and won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2004. The musical has since been produced on Broadway, in London, and around the world.

Synopsis

Caroline, or Change is set in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in the 1960s. Caroline Thibodeaux is a young African-American maid working in the Gellman household. The Gellmans are a Jewish family, and their home is a microcosm of the racial tensions of the era.

Caroline is treated poorly by the Gellmans, and she is often the target of racial slurs. She is also struggling to raise her children, and she is behind on her rent. One day, Caroline finds twenty dollars in the Gellmans' laundry room. She is tempted to keep the money, but she ultimately decides to return it. However, Caroline's gesture of good will is not met with kindness, and she is fired from her job.

Caroline's story is a powerful indictment of racism and classism in America. The musical explores the ways in which these systems can crush the human spirit. However, Caroline, or Change is also a story of hope and resilience. Caroline is a strong and determined woman, and she ultimately finds a way to overcome the challenges she faces.

Music

The music of Caroline, or Change is a blend of gospel, blues, and jazz. The score is full of beautiful melodies and haunting harmonies. The lyrics are sharp and witty, and they perfectly capture the characters' emotions.

The musical's most famous song is "The Moon Song." This song is a lullaby that Caroline sings to her children. The song is a beautiful and moving expression of love and hope.

Characters

Caroline Thibodeaux is the central character in Caroline, or Change. She is a young African-American maid working in a Jewish household in Louisiana in the 1960s. Caroline is a strong and determined woman, and she ultimately finds a way to overcome the challenges she faces.

The Gellmans are the Jewish family that Caroline works for. The Gellmans are a wealthy family, and they are often oblivious to the racial tensions of the era. However, the Gellmans' children are more aware of the world around them, and they begin to question the way that their parents treat Caroline.

Caroline's children are also important characters in the musical. Caroline's children are full of life and energy, and they help to keep Caroline's spirits up. Caroline's children also help to teach Caroline about the importance of fighting for justice.

Themes

Caroline, or Change explores a number of important themes, including race, class, and identity. The musical shows how racism and classism can crush the human spirit. However, the musical also shows how hope and resilience can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

Caroline, or Change is a powerful and moving musical that has stayed with audiences long after the final curtain call. The musical is a must-see for anyone who is interested in American history, social justice, or simply great theatre.

Legacy

Caroline, or Change has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its powerful story, beautiful music, and unforgettable characters. The musical has won numerous awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2004. Caroline, or Change has also been adapted into a film, which was released in 2009.

Caroline, or Change is a重要的 landmark in American musical theatre. The musical is a powerful and moving indictment of racism and classism, and it is a testament to the human spirit. Caroline, or Change is a must-see for anyone who loves great theatre.

## Alternative Title: Caroline, or Change: A Tony Award-Winning Masterpiece of American Musical Theatre

## Image with Long Alt Attribute: Caroline Thibodeaux, the protagonist of Caroline, or Change, is a young African-American maid working in a Jewish household in Louisiana in the 1960s. She is a strong and determined woman who ultimately finds a way to overcome the challenges she faces. [insert image source here]

## SEO Keywords:

* Caroline, or Change * Tony Kushner * Jeanine Tesori * American musical theatre * Race * Class * Identity * Gospel * Blues * Jazz * The Moon Song * Lake Charles, Louisiana * 1960s

Caroline, or Change

by Tony Kushner

4.5 out of 5