Open Rehearsal: The Court Theatre Blog
October 3, 2008
See what Caroline can do
Caroline, Or Change is going strong! While reviews and audience comments have been pretty focused on the spectacular voices and engaging performances by the cast and band, I think it’s worth taking a second look at the visual components of the show—the designs and staging—and how they contribute to its extraordinary effect. (All photos by Michael Brosilow)
JFK
Above we’ve got the “JFK” sequence, when Stuart’s parents come to the house to announce the President’s death. Upstage is the Moon, harbinger of chaos and change, in a pool of blue light that spills out onto the stairs. Notice that Charlie has separated Grandpa and Grandma Gellman on either side of the basement square, even though they arrived together and are ostensibly in the same room. Abstracting the space this way allows for heightened moments like Dottie delivering her lines to Grandpa Gellman, as you can see here, even though there is no diagetic reason for the two of them to be interacting.
Introducing the Washing Machine
This shot is from the beginning of the show, when we first see the Washing Machine doing her work. The text on her dress is ad copy from 60s washers—the dryer has similar text on his costume. The references to early-century work clothes are contrasted with the color choice—a 60s-ish pale green.
Nat King Cole
And here we have the first moment of really heavy theatrical lighting—you’ve probably seen this picture on ads or in e-blasts. The dryer is doing his thing—a gesture with a much bigger footprint than the relatively compact movements of the Washing Machine. The Dryer’s ability to take over the environment of the basement with heat and humidity is his major feature in the text.
Why you like me? I ain’t never nice to you.
Caroline and Noah can’t help thinking about one another—in this scene they share an imagined conversation, each of them in his or her own house, late at night.
Have you seen the show yet? What did you think?
1 Response to See what Caroline can do
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I’m seeing it this weekend! I can’t wait. I’ve looked forward to this production since learning about it months ago. And with the stellar reviews, how can you resist? Seeing these pictures piques my interest even more.
By Bob on October 15, 2008 at 7:07 pm