Cain Park’s ‘Caroline or Change’ reflects on differences and needed growth

“Caroline, or Change” with music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics and book by Tony Kushner began as a work shopped production in 1999 at the Off-Broadway Public Theater in New York opening on November 30, 2003 and closing on the first of February, 2004. It made its way to Broadway at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on May 2, 2004 closing on August 29, 2004.

The music is an eclectic blend of gospel spirituals, blues, Motown, classical music, folk music and Jewish Klexmer music. Despite its short run of only 136 performances and 22 previews it was critically acclaimed with six Tony nominations (including Best Musical) winning for Best Featured Actress (Anika Noni Rose). Despite the challenge of the music and story line, it has become a perennial favorite of community and college theaters across the country.

1963 was a turbulent time for America. Martin Luther King Jr. was jailed in Birmingham (he was later freed and delivered his famous “I Have A Dream” speech in Washington D.C.). Fidel Castro traveled to the Soviet Union where he was welcomed with open arms. The Vietnam War was raging as protesters began to organize. In Birmingham, Alabama the 16^th Street Baptist Church was bombed killing four young girls and on November 22^nd President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

It is a hot and humid day in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Caroline Thibodeaux (Colleen Longshaw), a Black maid, is employed by the Gellman family earning $30 a week. She helps keep the house tidy as well as doing the laundry in the basement. While working in her subterranean lair she passes the time listening and singing with the radio while holding conversations with the washer and dryer.

In the afternoon, Caroline is joined by the Gellman’s 8 year old son, Noah (Dean Hollis) who mother recently passed away from cancer. Noah is allowed to light Caroline one cigarette each day (a secret they share). As Caroline works she sings along with the washing machine (Kechanté), the dryer (Jason Eno) and the radio (Grace Pressley, Jazmin Rhodes and Paris Bunch).

Noah’s family consists of his father Stuart (Michael Glavan), step-mother Rose (Sophia Eloise Edwards), Grandma Gellman (Rosalyn Blystone) and Grandpa Gellman (Jon Fancher). Rose is on a strict budget so is unable to give Carolyn a raise but offers her leftover food instead which Caroline refuses. Stuart has lost his faith in God and spends most of his time practicing the clarinet while grieving for his loss. Noah hates Rose who calls her father long distance in New York City to complain how unhappy she is.

After work, Caroline meets up with Dotty (Corlesia Smith) who argue about each other’s life styles. The moon (Angel Victoria Tyler) rises as the two discuss the beheading of a Confederate soldier statue that graces the town’s courthouse. As the bus arrives they receive the devastating news that President Kennedy has been assassinated.

Back at the Gellman’s, Rose is trying to break Noah of the habit of leaving money in his pants and that from here on any money Caroline finds will be hers to keep. While the Gellman family remembers the good that President Kennedy did for the Jewish people in America Caroline recalls the good that was intended to help African Americans. Caroline is surprised that upon telling her daughter Emmie (Samyah Henry) about Kennedy’s death that her daughter does not care because she feels that Kennedy never fulfilled any of his promises to the Black community.

Rose gives Caroline permission to keep any money found in the clothes in order to teach Noah a lesson. Secretly, Noah has been leaving his candy and comic book money in his pockets deliberately in order to quietly help Caroline. In spite of her feelings, Caroline decides to keep the money, taking it home and sharing it with her children.

As Christmas approaches, Caroline remembers her ex-husband who upon his return from the war and unable to find work became abusive and was later kicked out of the house. Rose asks if Caroline, Dotty and Emmie can help out at the family Chanukah party that will pay host to Stuart’s mom and dad and Rose’s father. At the party, Mr. Stopnick ridicules Martin Luther King Jr. concerning his non-violent disobedience. Emmie calls him on the carpet about his comments.

Mr. Stopnick is impressed with Emmie’s chutzpah while Caroline yells at her daughter for her disrespect to the white folks slapping her in the process. At the conclusion of dinner, Mr. Stopnick gives Noah a $20 bill with a lesson about money and its true value. Noah inadvertently leaves the money in his pants pocket and rushes home after school. Caroline refuses to give it back. The two exchange racial insults with Caroline giving back the bill but quitting her job and leaving the house.

This is a superb performance accomplished with an extraordinary cast of actors and singers. Of special note are Grace Pressley, Jazmin Rhodes and Paris Bunch as Radio, Kechante as Washing Machine, Jason Eno as Dryer/Bus, Angel Victoria Tyler as Moon, Colleen Longshaw as Caroline and Sophia Eloise Edwards as Rose. The only problem was with the sound system. Even though all of the actors were mic’d unless you were in the front rows it was hard to understand the lyrics. This was a common remark as the audience left the theater.

While the scenic design by Walter Boswell was uncomplicated it gave room for the actors to move. There was also the circular stage that goes from basement laundry room to dining room seamlessly. Costume designer Luke Scattergood does a great job outfitting the various players. The ten piece orchestra under the direction of Rachel Woods is superb as well giving life to a very mix bag of songs.

This show goes far deeper than its race relation overtones. It is a microcosm of circumstances that we still witness to this day. With only three more performances left you should hurry to see this tiny slice of Americana history. You will find the singing and acting far beyond your expectations.

The Cain Park production of “Caroline or Change” will be on stage through August 24, 2025. For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://cainpark.com/theater-events/ or call (216) 371-3000.