Home from CAROLINE, OR CHANGE. I think I need to see/hear it again to really be able to absorb all that happened, but I'm pretty certain that it is the most unique, intelligent "musical" running on Broadway right now. I use the term "musical" lightly, as it is really an opera, but I won't quibble about that right now.
Ms. Tonya Pinkins, aside from being a truly delightful woman (we met with her backstage in her dressing room), was a revelation onstage. Her 11 o'clock number was riveting. Now I can see why she's become the Tony darling. She's showing signs of wear and tear, I'm afraid...she cracked several times, which is more a sign of vocal fatigue than bad technique. I think she needs to slow down her schedule and allow herself to rest before the Tony Awards, but she was still marvelous. The young lady who plays her daughter--Anika Noni Rose--was unbelievable. I don't know how old she really is, but she just blew me out of the water. I hope she wins her Tony...she has earned one.
The score is difficult to take in on first hearing, but I know with repeated listenings, it will become one of the most appreciated scores in my collection. The lyrics are VERY poetic and sometimes a bit hard to swallow, but some of them just made your heart break and create a sense of loneliness and dispair that can bring you to tears. During her big number, "Lot's Wife," she gets very angry--raising her fists to God, not understanding why her life is as difficult as it is. It's very "I'm Telling You I'm Not Going." Then there's a 180-degree turn in the music and she sings very quietly, "Murder me, God. Murder my dreams so that I won't want anymore." Gut-wrenching, I tell you.
So now, having seen it, I have a tough time deciding which show I think should win for Best Musical.
But Rico went a bit too far,
Tony sailed across the bar
and then the punches flew
and chairs were smashed in two.
There was blood and a single gunshot
but just who shot who?
At the Copa!...
