Caroline, or Change in LA: Should I see it?

Posted: 9/23/04 at 8:35pm

I'm debating whether or not I should get tickets to Caroline, or Change when it plays at the Ahmanson. Everyone on this board seems to love the show, but I've always just been kinda "meh" with this show. I don't know why, but it just doesn't look very interesting to me. Now granted, the only exposure I've had to the show is the performance from the Tony's, and frankly, I wasn't very impressed. It looks kind of boring to me.

To give you an idea of my tastes (don't judge me!), I like upbeat musical comedies. I really enjoyed Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Producers, Little Shop of Horrors, and Hairspray. I'd have to say that my bottom 3 musicals would be Chicago, Mamma Mia! and Miss Saigon.

The material from Caroline, or Change looks a bit too heavy for my tastes, and I was wondering if there are any good song and dance numbers that I would enjoy. So please, give me your advice--should I see Caroline, or Change when it comes to LA?

Posted: 9/23/04 at 8:50pm

What does it matter what others think? If you have an interest to see it, do so. If you are midly interested, see it. If you haven't the faintest interest, see it.

Do you still ask other's permission to get a drink of water, or to go the bathroom?

Sorry for being curt, but asking permission of others on something like this is a bit, ah, juvenile let's say.

What does it matter what other's think of the show? Making decisions on your own is part of growing up.

Posted: 9/23/04 at 8:54pm

Sure, why not? It's better to see it and form your own opinion on the show than regret not seeing it when it's not in LA anymore. Go for it! :)

~Rosalynn

Posted: 9/23/04 at 9:00pm

Hmm, maybe I should've rephrased my question and asked if anyone can tell me more about the show. All I know is that it takes place in Louisiana in 1963 and that Caroline is a maid.

What's the score like? Are there 60's-like tunes, like in Hairspray or Little Shop of Horrors? Or is the score more serious? Is there good choreography?

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 9/23/04 at 9:03pm

I would see it. I hate not seeing a show and then always having to wonder...

Posted: 9/23/04 at 9:16pm

Try buying and listening to the cd first if you feel you need a guarantee before you see it.
CAROLINE, OR CHANGE cd Review on BWW.com

[Plum]

Posted: 9/23/04 at 9:53pm

Miss Saigon and Chicago aren't exactly floof, so I'll say you have a chance of liking Caroline. Yes, the show has heavy content, but it's also laced with humor and moments of extraordinary visual and aural beauty. And while the ending is bittersweet, the emphasis is placed on the sweet. :)

[BreakingTheCircle07]

Posted: 9/23/04 at 10:07pm

SEE IT!!! Every theatre fan should see and support this production!!!

[NuggetMonkeys]

Posted: 9/23/04 at 10:26pm

If you see Caroline, you will be eternally grateful.
-d.b.j-

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 9/23/04 at 10:47pm

The score is uncoventional as far as melody is concerned, but the score is heavily influenced by 60s pop, gospel and old-school R&B. It is a dramatic work with very few comedic moments. Some of the characters are personifications of of objects in Caroline's world with which she regularly interacts (imagine when you're alone and you start talking to your microwave as a form of speculative conversation). It is a story that is not simply told that provokes thought long after it is finished. If you've seen Angels in America, you can see how Tony Kushner can tell the story of ordinary lives in an indirect way to see the extraordinary tale that lies within. It is a unique and beautiful experience that I highly recommend. The one scene on the Tonys doesn't begin to scratch the surface of the show and the CD, while more helpful, cannot offer the visual aspect needed to fully understand what is happening.

Go see it.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 9/23/04 at 10:51pm

"Sorry for being curt, but asking permission of others on something like this is a bit, ah, juvenile let's say.

What does it matter what other's think of the show? Making decisions on your own is part of growing up..."

I believe the person asked for advice on whether or not they should see Caroline. There's nothing wrong with asking the opinion of other members on this forum. That's part of the reason we're here, right? Opinions.

[LotsWife]

Posted: 9/23/04 at 11:50pm

Well, I can only tell you from my experience ... as my name and icon give away ... I am in love with this show.

Seriously ... to no go to this show would be turning your face from an original piece of musical theatre. We are always bombarded with the MILLIES, HAIRSPRAYS, PRODUCERS, etc. that have all been movies and now making the transition to the stage. Everyone knows and has already been affected by their stories. This is different. It is totally unconventional and the performances and the writing is just outstanding.

If you have the slightest urge to see the show, don't buy the CD beforehand. Let the show sink into you. You may have to see it twice to get the full take-in of this show. It's great and sweety ... TONYA PINKINS and ANIKA NONI ROSE will be reprising their roles.

I, for one, would pay $100 to listen to Tonya Pinkins sing Lots Wife ... just me ... not everyone likes it.

[sweetiedarlinmia]

Posted: 9/24/04 at 12:25am

Please see it. It is a show that left me with so many different emotions, I'm still sorting through them. But most of all I felt joy in for one night being apart of something meant something. The show is not just a stock entertainment play. It is so much more than that.

If right now, it were coming anywhere near my state I would be buying a ticket for my mother and I (b/c she never got to see it), harassing my friends until they got tickets, and gasing up my car for the trip.

Go see it.