There have only been two occasions when a theatrical musical performance has left me emotional to the point of tears. The first was my initial viewing of RENT at the Nederlander Therater in New York. The second time was this past Thursday night as Janis Stinson belted out the musical number "Lot's Wife" during the opening-night performance of CAROLINE, OR CHANGE at the ZACH Scott Theater here in Austin. It was absolutely incredible. The musical, written by ANGELS IN AMERICA scribe Tony Kushner, is directed by ZACH's Artistic Director Dave Steakley . . . and includes a cast of such extraordinary talent that Warren and I have both decided that CAROLINE is the best show we've seen at ZACH, so far. [READ MORE]
The play, set in 1963, opens in the Lake Charles, Louisiana basement laundry of a Jewish family's house occupied by their colored maid Caroline Thibodeaux and her friends, the washing machine, the drier and the radio. Each machine “comes to life” to play a supporting role as story tellers, giving the basement a human voice and allowing the audience to connect with Caroline. Austin actress, Janis Stinson gives a tour de force in the lead role of Caroline. Stinson, whose past ZACH performances include CROWNS and SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE, brings the production to life with the amazing instrument of her powerful voice. The part of Noah Gellman, the young son of Caroline's employer, is played by newcomer, Matthew Moore. Moore is an alumni of ZACH's Performing Art's School for kids and is nothing less than amazing. Given the phenomenal star power he's already generating at the ripe age of 10, we're sure you'll find his name in lights on Broadway one day soon. While both Stinson and Moore were our favorite's, the entire cast equally provided a powerful voice in the theme of change.
The show is filled with great comic lines, powerful vocal arrangements, and superb acting. All of the elements work together to bring this story to life and leave us completely satisfied. Simply put, it's a brilliant piece of theatre. Bravo, ZACH Scott. This is what musical theatre is all about.
If you're in Austin, the show runs through November 9th at ZACH's Kleberg Stage. [ZACH TICKET INFO]
~Derrick
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