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May 01, 2004
Caroline, or Change
I'm not sure exactly what to make of the most recent musical that I've seen, Caroline, or Change. Officially it's in it's last night of previews and opens tomorrow at the Eugene O'neill Theatre. I'd heard really good things about the show from classmates, and apparently the lead actor Tonya Pinkins is a former student at the same acting school that I attend, The William Esper Studio. Vocally the performances were stunning. (Ms. Pinkins feature in the second act is a real treat, and the child lead Harrison Chad is amazing). I'm not sure why I didn't leave the theatre with the same impression that everyone else seemed to. During the first act I felt really disconnected from what was going on onstage. It may have had something to do with my seats. TKTS is a beautiful thing, and I wouldn't be able to meet my goal of seeing at least 2-3 shows a month without them, but my 54.00 seats were bascially in the nosebleed right rear mezzanine. Though I did have a full view of the stage, there were times when I really had to stuggle to understand what the singers were saying. At intermission I moved to an obstructed view seat in the front right orchestra, and though there were times that I couldn't see people that were singing due to where they were on the stage, I enjoyed the second act much more than the first.
To me the book seemed abit all over the place, without a real clear and tight storyline, but as I say it may have been that my seats for the first act really never let me get in tune with the show. From the buzz of the crowd and the general buzz that I've heard about this show I think it's probably on it's way to some type of Tony, especially with a book by Tony Kuschner (Angels in America) and music by Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie). The acting was good, especially when I was able to be closer to the stage. Overall I enjoyed the show, and especially liked Tonya Pinkins. Both her vocal performance and acting were wonderful.
As a side note I made one of those wonderful NYC discoveries while kiling time before the show. I found what may be one of the last independently owned cool little used book/clothing stores near the theatre, where I picked up a hard copy of "The Magic Lantern", an autobiography of Ingmar Bergman for 5.00. I've never seen any of Bergman's films, but have heard about him (especially the Sevent Seal). It will be a good excuse to check out his work.
Posted by Thomas at May 1, 2004 05:43 PM
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