Sweet 'Caroline': Kushner's only musical

Last update: March 21, 2008 - 4:25 PM

The theater world's eyes will be fixed on Tony Kushner's "The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism With a Key to the Scriptures" when it opens next April at the Guthrie proscenium stage. Not quite lost in the shuffle but perhaps overshadowed is the Minneapolis premiere of "Caroline, or Change," Kushner's bold foray into musical theater. It will play on the larger thrust stage.

"Caroline" threads the civil rights era through some of Kushner's personal history. Set in the playwright's hometown of Lake Charles, La., the central story deals with an 8-year-old Jewish boy and his family's black maid. Kushner describes the scenario as more conventional than his masterpiece, "Angels in America," although he argues that, "Sometimes I think there are epic ingredients in 'Caroline,' too."

Composer Jeanine Tesori wrote the music for Kushner, and said in a 2004 interview with the Orange County Register that she thought musical theater plays right into the playwright's strengths.

"I've always thought that 'Angels in America' is an opera without music," she told critic Paul Hodgins.

"Caroline" opened at the Public in New York before opening on Broadway in 2004, with Tonya Pinkins in the lead role. It ran for four months. A 2006 London production, also starring Pinkins, won the Olivier Award for best new musical.

GRAYDON ROYCE

Recent OnStage stories

Spotlight: "Moulin Rouge - The Ballet" - March 21, 2008

Spotlight: "Moulin Rouge - The Ballet" - Saturday: The Royal Winnipeg Ballet will present the world premiere of Canadian choreographer Jorden Morris' "Moulin Rouge - The Ballet" right here in the heartland. The troupe probably can't boast a Baz Luhrmann-size budget, but there should still be plenty of high-stepping cancan, downright decadence and even a love story or two to summon the extravagant spirit of the notorious Parisian cabaret. (8 p.m. Sat. $33-$65. Northrop Auditorium, University of Minnesota, 84 SE. Church St., Mpls. 612-624-2345. northrop.umn.edu.) More

Comment on this story | Be the first to comment | Hide reader comments

Share photos and videos now

The North Star Supernovas take on Hammer City Roller Girls in a WFTDA sanctioned scrimmage at Skateville in Burnsville. Here, Naughty Kitty lays a block on Coma

See thousands of photos from other StarTribune.com readers and share your own photos and video today.