The only problem with Uggams is that, although she looks great, she's in her 60's and Caroline is supposed to be 39 (it clearly says so in the show).
I'm not sure Vereen has the vocal chops for the role -- Cooper's a (nearly) operatic bass-baritone and some sections of his music sound right out of "Porgy and Bess". It's also VERY rangy. Vereen would act it well, though.
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie
[http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/]
"The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney