'Caroline, Or Change' breaks all the rules. In fact, it reinvents them.
Loosely based on his own childhood growing up in Louisiana, the depth of which Tony Kushner brings to this world, and its going ons is vast, sweeping, and unique. Heightened further by a diverse musical landscape in which Jeanine Tesori exalts and underscores the passion, culture, and spirit of its inhabitants. Caroline is a rare breed.
Early on Caroline, Or Change seared a special place in my heart as a young creative. Inspiring me to take bold and unapologetic risks in my work and growth as an artist.
Caroline, Or Change is a pressure cooker of the human spirit. Its characters grapple with love, loss, civil rights, politics, economics, the condition of the human heart and its cries for survival and validation. Every moment and encounter along the way, no matter big or small, is volatile and rich.
Poignant pieces of art that scald a place in history with their bravery and relevance have a way of making it back around at exactly the right time. When it’s necessary and vital that its conversations be sparked, thoughts provoked, and intentions be known to the world we live. They become a tool to embody the individual artists desire to speak up, make know and overcome adversities.
Just as in Caroline where the Washer, Dryer, Moon, Radio and even The Bus have distinct purpose and a life of their own Caroline, Or Change is alive in the very same way. It has immense influence and transformative powers over all those who give over and take part in the journey, onstage and off.
It has been an overwhelming joy to work with this group of fearless and tremendously gifted young artists. Many had doubts about exploring Caroline with young people. I continue to be amazed and enthralled by their ability and capacity to tackle such sophisticated and challenging material with grace, understanding and nuisance.
It is in fact our job to provide the youth of today with the opportunity to learn from history, speak about today and CHANGE our tomorrow.
Director
Kyle Pleasant
