Caroline, or Change @ Karamu Theatre 9/18 There are so many reasons to see this musical production – it was nominated for several Tony awards including Best Musical in 2004. In this Dobama production at Karamu, the actors give a particularly strong performance and sing well. In the star role, Caroline, played by Sheffia Dooley Randall, has a heartfelt voice that doesn't quit, whether singing sad or determined or questioning songs. With an 8-piece band of instruments as backup, the music appeals to everyone because it combines Off-Broadway musical with spiritual, blues, and Jewish klezmer melodies. Tony Kushner, Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright (Angels in America), gives us a rich slice of history during 1963 set against the background of the civil rights movement and the Kennedy assassination.

Kushner creates a semi-autobiographical story where a young boy, Noah, becomes attached to Caroline, a proud black household worker, after losing his own mother and disliking his new stepmother. This powerful story reveals a Louisiana Jewish family and their struggles inside the four walls of their home. Tensions rise when Noah does not take responsibility for the money he leaves in his pants pocket and Caroline is accused. But wherever Caroline is, that is the center of the household. This Dobama Theatre production, staged at Karamu, is highly recommended and performed through October 12. Visit http://www.dobama.org for more information or call the Box Office at 932-3396.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul susn1ATatt.net
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