June 7-21, 2019
CAROLINE, OR CHANGE by Jeanine Tesori and Tony Kushner
Umstead Park UCC 8208 Brownleigh Drive, Raleigh 27617
Set in 1963 Louisiana, a provocative story of political change, social change... and pocket change.
Directed by Terra Hodge. Music Direction by Jackson Cooper. Choreography by Tristan Andre Parks
Caroline, or Change is a riveting, moving and awe-inspiring musical. Featuring a virtuosic score by Jeanine Tesori (Shrek The Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie) it blends blues, gospel and traditional Jewish melodies, creating a breathtaking medium for Kushner's provocative and personal story.
In 1963, the Gellman family and their African-American maid, Caroline, live in sleepy Lake Charles, Louisiana. Caroline is drifting through life as a single mother of four working in a service job to a white family. A fragile, yet beautiful friendship develops between the young Gellman son, Noah, and Caroline. Noah's stepmother, Rose, unable to give Caroline a raise, tells Caroline that she may keep the money that Noah leaves in his pockets. Caroline balks and refuses to take money from a child but her own children desperately need food, clothing and shoes. Inside the laundry room, Caroline receives musical advice and inspiration from her Washing Machine, Dryer, and Radio, while also receiving counsel from a Bus and The Moon. Outside of the laundry room, some of the greatest social advancements that the country has seen are being set in motion, and change is knocking on the door.
Umstead Park United Church of Christ, 8208 Brownleigh Drive, Raleigh 27617
EVENTS DURING CAROLINE, OR CHANGE
June 7 @ 7:30 pm OPENING NIGHT! Advocate: The Carying Place
June 8th @ 7:30 pm ALL SEATS $21 Advocate: Haven House
June 9th @ 3:30 pm MATINEE (Matinees sell the quickest) Advocate: You Can Vote
June 14th @ 7:30 pm Performance. Advocate: Disabled American Veterans
June 15th @ 5:30 pm SEND A KID TO CAMP!
June 16th @ 3:30 pm FREE CHILDCARE! (child must be potty trained. Reservations required). FREE Audio Description for the visually impaired. Advocate: ChicTech
June 21st 7:30 pm Performance. Advocate: American Red Cross
June 22nd 2:00 pm Performance. Advocate: Urban Ministries
June 22nd 7:30 pm Performance Advocate: Little Raleigh Radio
June 23rd 3:30 pm FINAL PERFORMANCE. Advocate: Interfaith Food Shuttle.
THE CAST:
Caroline Danielle J. Long
Dotty Kyma Lassiter
Radio Lauren Foster-Lee
Radio Germona Sharp
Radio Micaela Bundy
Washer Maria Barber
Bus Juan Isler
Dryer Taufiki Lee
Moon Joy Bryant
Grandma MJ Bridges
Grandpa Jim O'Brien
Mr. Stopnick Paul Wilson
Emmie Qualia Holder-Cozart
Emmie Understudy Alyssa Wise
Rose Leslie-Anne Ball
Stuart James Hale
Noah Andrew Farmer
Noah Understudy Ben Jones
Jackie Ricardo Razon
Joe Quinn Gray
READ THE REVIEWS:
“A Master Class in Musical Theater”
“A lyrical trip through its characters’ hearts and souls”
FEATURING: Danielle J. Long as Caroline
Danielle, and equity actress, previously graced the stage with JTP during “Porgy and Bess”.
