Caroline, or Change: What's the Big Deal?

Ok, I know many people here will forever hate me, but many others have to deal with the constant knocking of their favs. (btw, I am not knocking this show). I thought the show was just alright and the music left much to be desired of. Also, whenever I see Tonya perform she always sounds horrible, only in this one song, in my opinion.

Other than that though, I do think it conveyed a great message and is worth to see for the book and the lyrics are inspiring!

tonya obviously is ruining her voice. she can't hit those notes! i think she should have stopped a while ago if she really cared about her voice.

Okay, Nugget !! Lets get 'em !! I can not even justify anyone (unless they are younger than 16) bashing the show.

Testing <---- ready for 15th visit to "Caroline" tomorrow night.

Jeanine Tesori is a genious. She has such an understanding of so many different styles of music. The music is so good. There was no a weak link in this cast. Maybe you saw MsPinkins on a bad day. When I saw the show she was dead on. She deserved the Tony.

I don't think it's so much her ruining and hurting her voice. I feel like Ms. Pinkins understands the vocal mechanism and as such uses it as she sees fit to bring Caroline to life. Yes her voice cracks, yes it's sometimes harsh, but that all fits in to who Caroline is. I think she makes it about the character and not about her voice sounding pretty. I saw her last Tuesday and thought she was absolutely phenomenal. If she were damaging her voice that much I don't think she'd be able to sing now after having done the show 8 times a week since March or April.

To really appreciate the music, you need to have the CD and listen to it. That's when things really start to pop and stand out and become cohesive.

CAROLINE OR CHANGE is a grown up show. It's not a "Family Friendly" show with poptart music and actors breaking character every night and giggling because they ruv their fans are sooooooooo funny.

This is a show that deals with serious adult issues and themes. It's the kind of show that very rarely ever seen and for that reason a lot of people will not like it because it is so different. Nevertheless, it will become a classic. Broadwaychild89, I'm guessing that you are only 14 or 15 years old from your screenname. Wait 10 years or so and than listen to it again. I'm sure you'll have a deeper appreciation for it.

---

"She will go far" --

She's already gone pretty far. Pinkins has been a Broadway star for over 20 years (since Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along" in 1981) and won a Tony for "Jelly's Last Jam" over a decade ago (in addition to being nominated for "Caroline" and 1997's "Play On"). Her voice will be fine. Caroline is simply one of the most demanding roles ever created for a musical theatre actress and she only has eight more performances of it to go.

---

To each their own, I guess. I found Caroline, despite its flaws, to be very deeply moving and amazingly well-crafted. I appreciated seeing a show that obviously had so much thought behind it, and one that made me think in turn. And I think that it was the best new musical of last season.

I dont think everyone needs to be older to appreciate this show. I am only 16, and while I probably didnt catch all the symbolism, I loved this show and I feel like I understood most of it.

Thank you everyone for the great comments, but I just want you guys to not think of me (even though I am 16) as one of those teeny boppers that go "OHHHHH MYYY GOD THIS IS THE BESTEST MUSICALNESS EVER!!!!!". I am very lucky to be as cultured as I am at this age, and like to think at least I am pretty mature. I just don't want people not respecting my opinions because I am younger and they think I just don't understand anything...On the lighter side :) I just want to thank you all again!

i loved the show, but concede that it is unique and unconventional and i can see why many people wouldn't like it. as for tonya, i'm sure she knows what she is doing when she sings (and yes, her tony performance wasn't up to par)Lot's Wife. But seeing a performer sing like a woman, in character, and delivering the words with passion and conviction is a rare thing indeed. How often do a see a show or a number and think, "He/She gave it all and there's nothing left." My voice teacher used to call it "singing from the pu**y"--i know that's a little racy, but you get the idea.

Who said 15 is too immature? Different people mature at different rates. And like I said, younger fans probably didn't completely appreciate some aspects of the musical, because some things only come with age and experience. But we did see something we liked and appreciated. Adolescence shouldn't be mistaken for childhood.

The music is flawless in this show and the message is incredible. Tesori, Kushner, Wolfe and cast have done a great job of accurately portraying the amount of angst alive in this woman. It's not a easy, feel good show. It's designed to evoke thought and introspection. The show requires close listening to the text, perhaps a knowledge of historical/ social issues further than what is just presented in the basic high school textbooks (which are full of inaccuracies and biases from time to time), and maturity that sometimes comes with time and experience. I am still in my 20s and know that I will miss certain emotional aspects or details in this character and show that will clarify with age and experience. I accept that and look forward to the further insight I will eventually gain.

As far as the marvelous Ms. Pinkins, her performance deserved the Tony. The music, particularly Lot's Wife, is not designed to be simply beautiful, melodic, pretty, and legato. It is supposed to be as complex as the message and the emotions that Caroline and the other characters feel. Lot's Wife would not have such a powerful impact if it were a softer ballad. It has to be this way in order to fully express the emotions, the anger, the sorrow of Caroline. That's why it took 17 versions to perfect it.

Updated On: 8/24/04 at 03:05 PM