Set in 1963 Lake Charles, Louisiana, Caroline, or Change follows Caroline, an African American maid, and the Gellman family. Blending blues, gospel, and klezmer, the musical explores a changing America in turbulent times.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s Caroline, or Change was the first show staged in the Donelly Theatre within the newly renovated Gerri Aaron & the Aaron Family Foundation Theatre Building. Written by Tony, Pulitzer, and Academy Award winner Tony Kushner (Angels in America, Lincoln), it’s an intensely personal story.
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Caroline ThibodeauxJannie Jones
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The Washing MachineVallea A. Woodbury
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The RadioToddra Brunson
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TheAnnaya Osborne
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The RadioStephanie Zandra Payton
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Alternating as Noah Gellman
Tommy Lelyo
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Alternating as Noah Gellman
Charles Shoemaker
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The Dryer & The BusBrian L. Boyd
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Grandma Gellman
Linda Roeming
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Grandpa Gellman
Fred Frabotta
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Rose Stopnick Gellman
Eliza Engle
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Stuart GellmanCourtney Dease
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Dotty MoffettCandy McLellan
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The MoonTeresa Stanley
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Emmie ThibodeauxAlexis Ijeoma Nwokoji
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Jackie ThibodeauxSammy Waite
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Joe Thibodeaux
Kenyon Edwards
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Mr. Stopnick
John Lombardi
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
- Dr. Phil & Suzan Gaynes
Leading Sponsors
- The Exchange
- Rose Marie Proietti
- Marta Riordan & James Boyle
Co-Sponsors
- Dr. Alfonso & Mrs. Brenda Belsito
- Mike & Karen Gardiner
- Amb. Jeanette Hyde
- Penelope Kingman
- Virginia Lipton & Frank Malickson
- Meadows Dental Associates
- Northern Trust
- Sarasota Magazine
- Deb Shoss & Libbie Sherman
- Bob & Teresa Simmons
- Linda Steinberger
- Susan K. Straus
Gallery
January 2020, First performance in Donnelly Theatre, Jannie Jones in Caroline, or Change
“Caroline shines in WBTT’s new theater…a powerful show in a beautiful new home.” – Jay Handelman, Herald-Tribune
“When Jannie Jones sings…you see and feel all of her emotions.” – Undine Shorey, Bradenton Times
“A powerhouse performance by Jannie Jones” – Kay Kipling, Sarasota Magazine