Caroline, or Change
Set in one of the most pivotal times in America's history, the Tony-nominated Caroline, or Change is riveting, moving and awe-inspiring. 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. 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.
Caroline, or Change, produces a valuable theatrical experience that continues to thrill audiences the world over. It is a story that must be shared and will touch hearts. It is a story that will open minds. It is a story that will change theatergoers for the better. Featuring one of the most powerful female roles in musical theatre, Caroline, or Change is a true tour de force that will leave audiences breathless.
Tony Kushner speaks about his work:"...'Of anything I've ever done, I'm proudest of Caroline, or Change,' said Mr. Kushner..." – The New York Times
Show Essentials
Songs
16 Feet Beneath the Sea
The Radio
Laundry Quintet
Noah Down the Stairs
The Cigarette
Laundry Finish
The Dryer
I Got Four Kids
Caroline, There's Extra Food
There is No God, Noah
Rose Stopnick Can Cook
Long Distance
Dotty and Caroline
Moon Change
Moon Trio
The Bus
That Can't Be
Noah and Rose
Inside/Outside
JFK
Duets: No One Waitin'
Duets: 'Night Mamma
Duets: Gonna Pass Me a Law
Duets: Noah Go to Sleep
Noah Has a Problem
Stuart and Noah
Quarter in the Bleach Cup
Caroline Takes My Money Home
Roosevelt Petrucius Coleslaw
Santa Comin' Caroline
Little Reward
1943
Mr. Gellman's Shirt
Ooh Child
Rose Recovers
I Saw Three Ships
The Chanukah Party
Dotty and Emmie
I Don't Want My Child to Hear That
Mr. Stopnick and Emmie
Kitchen Fight
A Twenty Dollar Bill and Why
I Hate the Bus
Moon, Emmie and Stuart Trio
The Twenty Dollar Bill
Caroline and Noah Fight
Aftermath
Sunday Morning
Lot's Wife
Salty Teardrops
Why Does Our House Have a Basement?
Underwater
Epilogue
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Concert Selections for Caroline, or Change
MTI is pleased to provide the pre-approved rental materials of select songs for your symphonic concert performance. Please note, MTI is unable to grant the necessary Performance Rights with this material rental. The Performance Rights needed must be obtained separately through the individual song’s respective small rights agency such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Please email concerts@mtishows.com with any questions.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.