Caroline, or Change in Minneapolis

[C4b2a3b]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 1:43am

For those in the Twin Cities, or for the fans of Caroline or Change, the Guthrie's website has a video preview of the show on their website.

I have yet to see the Guthrie's show, but from the video, the basement feels very large. I thought the Broadway's staging of the basement made it seem small and entrapping, which added to Caroline's affect. Not a very astute observation, but yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing this version!
Link to video

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 1:49am

I was supposed to fly in to see this production but can't now.

I saw the show on Broadway. From what I remember, and I am sure you can find pics online, there was a railing across the top in front of "The Radio". This set does have a pretty open feel to it. And I didn't see the stairs or the dryer in that clip. It seems they should have been closer in. I also don't remember "the radio" making its entrance like that.

Updated On: 4/23/09 at 01:49 AM

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 2:53am

Is it supposed to be a carbon copy of the Broadway production? Why can't the radio enter differently in a regional production?

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 2:53am

Why should the redio have to make the same entrance as on Broadway? Nothing says they have to enter that way.

In regard to the set feeling open, this production IS at the Guthrie, a THRUST venue ("Wurtele Thrust Stage"), so therefore the set must be open on three sides. Naturally it would feel open, especially on a video where you doen't even get a feel for where the audience is in relation. A closer look at the video will show that the director and designer did indeed give the suggestion of a small basement room with small segments of wall. What more would you expect them to do?

I must confess, I wish I could get to the Guthrie to see this. The show is wonderful, the pictures and video make this production seem first rate, and there are two MAJOR draws for me within this top notch cast - the fabulous Nikki Renee Daniels in the role originated by Anika Noni Rose, and the wonderful (and so deserving of recognition in New York) Felicia Boswell as 1/3 of the Radio (in the linked video, she is on the left with the redddish hair).

~broadwayguy2, off to battle sleeplessness and to watch a few minutes of press footage of Felicia Boswell belting it out in the Atlanta Lyric Theatre's Little Shop of Horrors on the *forbidden* site..

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 3:37am

I didn't say that it should be like Broadway. I just said I don't remember the entrance being that way. I just found it to be a bit odd. I found it to be more effective the way it was done on Broadway. Just my opinion. No big deal!

I forgot it was on a thrust stage. However, I have seen many shows on a thrust stage. I am praying that we will someday do it here at The Stage Theater. 9Which is a thrust theater)From what I remember of the sets, the only piece of scenery that would block peoples view would be the door and steps into the basement. I think the rest of the sets would be fine.

Updated On: 4/23/09 at 03:37 AM

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 6:15am

No one said it was a big deal, I was just making note that your criticsm is that it was different than how it happened on Broadway. While this production seems to keep close to the style and retain some of the more 'trademark' visual elemnts of the show, it hardly appears to be a recreation of the Broadway production, so there would be no reason to question why an entrance wasn't exaclty the same. This show aside, a basic rule of directing is that something may work on a proscenium, but it doesn't always work on a thrust.. you have to direct VERY differently.

Once again, you mention how only those two elemnts of the Broadway set would pose a problem on a thrust and everything else would be readily transferable. Why should any elemnts be readily transered?

[BroadwayBound062]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 11:10am

I'm really looking forward to seeing this production this summer!

[LouieLovesTheater]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 11:17am

Saw it last weekend and LOVED it. Fantastic cast and it's staged very well. As we all know, a thrust stage has its advantages and disadvantages. It's a massive set but when the scene is in the basement lighting indicates that it's a smaller space. And the dryer is there...a basin divides the new washer from the older dryer.

Nikki had some excellent moments as did Felicia (who is her understudy). I was very impressed with Julie Reiber as Rose and especially Greta Oglesby as Caroline.

The orchestra, lighting, costumes, movement...it all works quite well in the Guthrie space. It's not a carbon copy of the Broadway show (nor should it be). The director is a very movement based director and she did a wonderful job with the show.

I can't wait to see it again.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 1:33pm

briadwayguy, I wasn't "questioning". I was making an observation and expressing my opinion. I am fully aware that things work differently on a thrust stage. I said no big deal because you seemed to make one out of my simple observation.