'Caroline, or Change' Opens at TheatreWorks April 5

TheatreWorks, the nationally-acclaimed theatre of Silicon Valley, closes its 38th season with the daring, joyous, Tony nominated musical Caroline, or Change.

This thrilling production, set in Louisiana during the 1960s, features a book crafted by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner and a glorious score infused with blues, gospel, and Motown by Jeanine Tesori. Bay Area luminary C. Kelly Wright stars as the titular Caroline in this moving celebration of chutzpah and human fortitude directed by TheatreWorks founding Artistic Director Robert Kelley.

Caroline, or Change plays April 2 through 27 (press opening: April 5) at TheatreWorks at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets ($25-61) and information, the public may call (650) 903-6000 or visit www.theatreworks.org.

"In Caroline, or Change, Caroline is the African-American maid of a Southern Jewish couple, and a confidant to their young son, Noah. When Caroline is enlisted in a plan to teach Noah a lesson about leaving change in his pockets, the tide of social change begins to affect her life first-hand. Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, Caroline, or Change, is a dynamic look at a key moment in American history and one woman who must carve her place in a world where nothing comes easy," describe press notes.

Nominated for six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Caroline, or Change was workshopped at The Public Theater in New York, where it opened in 2003 under the direction of George C. Wolfe. After a successful Off-Broadway run, the production transferred to the Eugene O'Neill Theatre and ran on Broadway for 136 performances, with Tonya Pinkins starring in the title role. The production opened in London in 2006 where it garnered the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

Making their TheatreWorks debuts in Caroline, or Change are Eileen Tepper as Rose; Valisia Lekae as Emmie; Allison Blackwell as Dotty; and Ryan Drummond as Stuart.

Also featured in Caroline, or Change are Dawn Troupe; Adrienne Muller; and Marsha Lawson, who collectively play the role of Caroline's radio. Rounding out the talented cast are Randy Nazarian as Mr. Stopnick; Jesse Caldwell as Grandpa Gellman; and Roberta Morris as Grandma Gellman.

Previews are April 2, 3, 4; Opening is Saturday, April 5 with performances through Sunday, April 27. Previews at 8PM; Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30PM; Thursdays and Fridays at 8PM; Saturdays at 2PM & 8PM (8PM only April 12 & 19); Sundays at 2PM & 7PM (2PM only April 6 & 13)

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts (500 Castro St. at Mercy).

Tickets are $25-61; savings available for youth, students, seniors, and members. For tickets, information, and subscription information, the public may call 650-903-6000 or visit www.theatreworks.org.

C. Kelly Wright and Julian Hornik in Caroline, or Change (photo Steve Mannshardt)