"Caroline" was terrific today -- it was great seeing it for the fifth and last time. I first saw the show at the third preview at the Public and what has struck me most in the mean time is how much the cast has grown (acting-wise) in their roles. Veanne Cox especially (she was always quite good, of course, mind you) made her characterization of Rose into one of the real highlights of the show -- a brilliant performance. Chandra Wilson has also fully come into her own as Dottie. David Costabile, whom I thought "disappeared" a bit too much as Stuart early on, was the very portrait of the heartbroken, distant father -- an underrated, but fully dimensional and remarkable performance.
And as for Tonya Pinkins, her performance as Caroline has only deepened and become even more sublime (if that's possible). She was clearly working hard to be sure that each and every line of dialogue was clear and intelligible, and was fully in control of every emotional arc of the character. Vocally today , she was roughly at a 8 out of 10 for her, a little raspiness in the middle range and her high notes took a bit of effort, but otherwise, smooth sailing. She masterfully negotiated her break, her head voice was flawless and her "Lot's Wife," all-in-all, may be the best I've ever seen her do it. She more than deserved the extended standing ovation she received.
Final performances are wonderful and exciting for their electricity and this one didn't disappoint (I was sitting around folks who obviously didn't know this was a "last performance" and seemed confused by the effusive audience responce). Huge ovations for all of the principals upon their entrances, as well as after all of the main numbers (Anika Rose was a particular favorite throughout).
As mentioned before, "Lot's Wife" got about a three minute standing O (there was also quite an applause break after "Flat, Flat, Flat, Flaaaaaaaaaaat...... How about THAT...") -- at the end, thunderous applause at first, for the first 30 seconds or so, and then everyone jumped to their feet, while Pinkins held character alone on stage...... screams and whistles for the next couple of minutes.
The curtain call was enormous. In addition to the main cast (as noted, the kids were all weeping -- Anika Rose was innocently taking pictures of the crowd), they brought out all of the understudies for a bow and shortly afterwards, Tesori and Kushner came out and the audience went crazy again. No speeches at the curtain.
Outside, the cast was beyond sweet and gracious for the fans (I'm not an autograph person, but it was fun watching all the happy people with their posters and playbills -- Pinkins especially seemed to take her time with each and everyone outside, posing for pictures, giving out hugs and being more than kind with everyone she encountered). I noticed Nathan Lane outside(didn't he have a "Frogs" performance at the same time?), Craig Lucas (hugging Kushner), and Michael McElroy among the throng, before I took off. Despite all of the protest madness, it was a fun day and that block of 49th Street seemed quite festive despite the fact that "Caroline" had just finished its run.
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie
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"The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney
Updated On: 8/30/04 at 12:29 AM
