Love this show, and I've been thinking about it a lot too due to recent events. In 2004, race issues were considered "solved" by most people. In 2017, we're learning they aren't. I think its themes would resonate a lot more with today's audience. Maybe it's a little too soon for a Broadway revival, but I'd love an off-Bway production in a more intimate setting.
uncageg said: "Was lucky enough to see the show in previews on Broadway.
Valentina3, the cast recording is pretty much the entire show. It is excellent."
Cast recording is excellent. I think I have the little ditty that the washing machine sings stuck in my head at least once a week. There's also a bootleg up on Youtube if you want to see.
For your viewing pleasure, here is footage of that scene in the original 2004 Broadway production of CAROLINE, OR CHANGE featuring Tonya Pinkins as Caroline, Chandra Wilson as Dotty and Aisha De Haas as The Moon.
Oh man I would LOVE a revival of this show. This cast recording is excellent, but I've always felt that the music would be even more impactful live and in context. And yes, I agree it would be very relevant. I don't think it's too soon at all. Considering we had Spring Awakening and The Color Purple revived so recently and so successfully. It's been 13 years since the original production, and by the time a revival could realistically be planned and come to Broadway, it will have been longer. Interesting to think that Wicked and Avenue Q, its 2 biggest "Best Musical" rivals, will most likely still be playing if/when it does return to NY.
The Caroline, or Change cast recording is probably my favorite cast recording of all time. I think even the critics didn't quite understand the relevancy and gravity of the themes of this show and it went over their heads. I have a feeling they're quite far-removed from 1960s and even present-day Louisiana and places like that and the people inhabiting it.
Tesori told me semi-recently, that she's been talking to Kushner a lot about bringing the show back. They realize the following it's gotten since the original and think it's time for it to be seen again.
We need to start a go fund me page. I'd be willing to put in a good deal of money for this revival. It's the single most important piece of theater in the past 20 years if not more.
Anika performing I Hate the Bus was one of the most devastatingly beautiful moments I've ever witnessed in the theatre. I walked out of the show and said, "She's winning a Tony for that" and later, was overjoyed to see that she did.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
Felm_heart said: "Looking forward to the Erivo-led revival in 10 years."
But we want one now lol. No reason there can't be a second one a decade later with Erivo. There's so many talented black stars I'd love to see back on Broadway. Renee Elise Goldsberry? Heather Headley?
Caption: Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.
As a bonus, here is the opening section of the show itself. I remember my mouth dropping open when all this started unfolding on stage as I had NO idea what the show sounded like as I only went to see the show because it was closing. My mouth remained open the entire Act 1. Yes, Tonya's voice was a bit shot at times which was the case during her run due to the difficult sung-thru score she had to sing 8 times a week.
By the way, Ben Platt played Noah when the production was recreated in Los Angeles several months later with Tonya Pinkins and most of the original Broadway cast:
Yes! So ready for this to be revived. Saw the original production twice but sadly it had really taken its toll on Pinkins voice and some numbers were really ragged.
It had gotten a fair amount of regional play. Loved the Guthrie production years back during their Kushner festival. And the Round House production last year in the DC area was superb.
This is by far one of my favorite shows. It is so wonderfully powerful, emotional, and tuneful. I used to obsess over the bootleg I had, and in it, Tonya's voice cracks quite a bit. But, she rolls with it and it feels like it becomes a physical manifestation of her character's sorrow and brokenness, stubbornness, and humanity. I think it's one of the bravest performances ever. I. Love. This. Show.
I would for The Actor's Fund or BCEFA or someone to do this as a concert benefit right now. I'd love a revival, but I'd like to see so many different people sing this show.