#1
Posted: 7/31/04 at 9:15pm
this saturday i had time for a thursday night show, and after much internal debate over what to see (aida- but ive seen it twice and will go again next month, rent- but theres a damn spice girl in it, hairspray- on tkts? yea right.) i decided on tkts tickets to "caroline or change".
though it was tony kushner's involvement that lead me to the theater, it was much more that that which kept me transfixed by what i was seeing while i sat there watching this show, a show that many have called "difficult to sit through" or "tedious". i'll admit there were times where i sorta longed for a repeating chorus or for a few minutes of dialouge so i could keep track of which song was which, but after a while the array of beats and voices, and the powerful (BEYOND TONY WORTHY) performance by tonya pinkans pulled me into it. that woman puts her soul into that character, and was more than deserving of the roaring standing ovation she recieved.
granted, her voice seems a bit worn-out, and like at the tony awards, she cracked a little on the high parts, but still managed to give so much to the character that any momentary vocal imperfection was easily forgiven (by me at least)
anika noni rose was wonderful as carolines spirited daughter, emmie, though i wouldnt slap her with the title "scene stealer", a title she so often she seems to get stuck with. stealing scenes is something that kristin chenoweth does, ms. rose was great about sharing her scenes, i never felt like she had pulled the attention away from tonya. she's the light in carolines darkness, so naturally the audience is going to like her, she doesnt have to, and therefor doesnt, overdo it.
well, i could go on forever (i seem to have already) but i want people to read this so they go see it, so let me close by saying that this is a brilliant piece of art. no, its not easy viewing, and nothing is handed to the audience on a platter, but if you take the leap of faith, and see it, you shouldnt regret your decision. "caroline or change" is the best show ive seen all season (including "wicked" and "avenue q") it was tragically overlooked at the tonys, but i feel (and hope) it will take it's place among the great pieces of musical theater. only time, and "change" (in people's perspectives of what a broadway show can involve) will tell.
though it was tony kushner's involvement that lead me to the theater, it was much more that that which kept me transfixed by what i was seeing while i sat there watching this show, a show that many have called "difficult to sit through" or "tedious". i'll admit there were times where i sorta longed for a repeating chorus or for a few minutes of dialouge so i could keep track of which song was which, but after a while the array of beats and voices, and the powerful (BEYOND TONY WORTHY) performance by tonya pinkans pulled me into it. that woman puts her soul into that character, and was more than deserving of the roaring standing ovation she recieved.
granted, her voice seems a bit worn-out, and like at the tony awards, she cracked a little on the high parts, but still managed to give so much to the character that any momentary vocal imperfection was easily forgiven (by me at least)
anika noni rose was wonderful as carolines spirited daughter, emmie, though i wouldnt slap her with the title "scene stealer", a title she so often she seems to get stuck with. stealing scenes is something that kristin chenoweth does, ms. rose was great about sharing her scenes, i never felt like she had pulled the attention away from tonya. she's the light in carolines darkness, so naturally the audience is going to like her, she doesnt have to, and therefor doesnt, overdo it.
well, i could go on forever (i seem to have already) but i want people to read this so they go see it, so let me close by saying that this is a brilliant piece of art. no, its not easy viewing, and nothing is handed to the audience on a platter, but if you take the leap of faith, and see it, you shouldnt regret your decision. "caroline or change" is the best show ive seen all season (including "wicked" and "avenue q") it was tragically overlooked at the tonys, but i feel (and hope) it will take it's place among the great pieces of musical theater. only time, and "change" (in people's perspectives of what a broadway show can involve) will tell.
ive recruited!
