"Caroline, Or Change" at SpeakEasy

SpeakEasy Stage, in association with North Shore Music Theatre, will present the New England premiere of the acclaimed musical "Caroline, Or Change," from May 5 through June 3 at the Calderwood Pavilion of the Boston Center for the Arts. Acclaimed Boston actress Jacqui Parker will star, with SpeakEasy Producing Artistic Director Paul Daigneault directing.

The production features book and lyrics by Tony Award-winning playwright Tony Kushner ("Angels in America") and music by three-time Tony nominee Jeanine Tesori ("Violet," "Thoroughly Modern Millie"). The original New York production was nominated for six Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Loosely based on Kushner's own childhood, "Caroline, Or Change" tells the story of the unusual friendship that develops between Noah, a Southern Jewish boy whose mother has recently died, and Caroline, his family's taciturn African-American maid

The role of Noah will be played by Jacob Brandt, who received acclaim for his performance as Jason in the Huntington Theatre production of "Falsettos." The 8th grader at the Park School in Brookline has also appeared at New Repertory Theatre, Turtle Lane Playhouse and Wheelock Family Theatre.

Set in Louisiana in 1963 around the time of the Kennedy assassination, the story also chronicles Caroline's efforts, as a single mother, to raise her own children amidst the swirling changes sweeping the country.

The title plays off the turning point in the story, when Noah's stepmother instructs Caroline to keep any change that Noah leaves in the pockets of his laundry as a way to teach the boy a lesson about responsibility. The simple act sets in motion a chain of events that causes a rift in both households and mirrors the conflict outside their doors.

Daigneault commented, "I am excited to be working with the North Shore Music Theatre on the New England premiere of 'Caroline, Or Change.' I see this collaboration very much as a mentorship. The folks at North Shore really know how to put on a musical and we will learn a lot from working with this on this project."

North Shore's Artistic Director and Executive Producer Jon Kimbell added, "I've been very impressed with SpeakEasy Stage Company's fine productions and we are proud to assist them in producing this brilliant musical that will fit perfectly in the Roberts Studio's intimate space."

For tickets and information, stop by the Calderwood box office at 527 Tremont Street in Boston, call 617-933-8600 or visit www.BostonTheatreScene.com.

-- OnStage Boston

			New England Premiere of "Caroline, Or Change" at SpeakEasy Stage SpeakEasy Stage, in association with North Shore Music Theatre, will present the New England premiere of the acclaimed musical "Caroline, Or Change," from May 5 through June 3 at the Calderwood Pavilion of the Boston Center for the Arts. Acclaimed Boston actress Jacqui Parker will star, with SpeakEasy Producing Artistic Director Paul Daigneault directing. The production features book and lyrics by Tony Award-winning playwright Tony Kushner ("Angels in America") and music by three-time Tony nominee Jeanine Tesori ("Violet," "Thoroughly Modern Millie"). The original New York production was nominated for six Tony Awards including Best Musical. Loosely based on Kushner's own childhood, "Caroline, Or Change" tells the story of the unusual friendship that develops between Noah, a Southern Jewish boy whose mother has recently died, and Caroline, his family's taciturn African-American maid The role of Noah will be played by Jacob Brandt, who received acclaim for his performance as Jason in the Huntington Theatre production of "Falsettos." The 8th grader at the Park School in Brookline has also appeared at New Repertory Theatre, Turtle Lane Playhouse and Wheelock Family Theatre. Set in Louisiana in 1963 around the time of the Kennedy assassination, the story also chronicles Caroline's efforts, as a single mother, to raise her own children amidst the swirling changes sweeping the country. The title plays off the turning point in the story, when Noah's stepmother instructs Caroline to keep any change that Noah leaves in the pockets of his laundry as a way to teach the boy a lesson about responsibility. The simple act sets in motion a chain of events that causes a rift in both households and mirrors the conflict outside their doors. Daigneault commented, "I am excited to be working with the North Shore Music Theatre on the New England premiere of 'Caroline, Or Change.' I see this collaboration very much as a mentorship. The folks at North Shore really know how to put on a musical and we will learn a lot from working with this on this project." North Shore's Artistic Director and Executive Producer Jon Kimbell added, "I've been very impressed with SpeakEasy Stage Company's fine productions and we are proud to assist them in producing this brilliant musical that will fit perfectly in the Roberts Studio's intimate space." For tickets and information, stop by the Calderwood box office at 527 Tremont Street in Boston, call 617-933-8600 or visit www.BostonTheatreScene.com. -- OnStage Boston 04/28/06

		To receive an email Update when new pages are posted at OnStage Boston, click here.
		HOME • NEWS • LINKS • ARCHIVE • CONTACT
		© 2002-2004 RJD Associates. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this site may be reprinted or reproduced without prior written permission.