Caroline, or Change – About the Show
Highlights of Caroline, or Change – Must-See Moments
A must-see for fans of Black music: a soul-stirring masterpiece
“Caroline, or Change” incorporates a wide range of Black music throughout the show, bringing the struggles of racial inequality to life through sound. The score blends six distinct musical genres (see below), and was so highly praised that the original Broadway production in 2004 earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Original Score.
Six musical styles featured in Caroline, or Change
①Spirituals: Christian hymns sung in worship services, similar to gospel.②Blues: A style born from the hardships of enslaved people, later giving rise to jazz.
③Motown: Pop-infused Black music popularized by the Motown record label.
④Jewish klezmer: Ashkenazi folk music reinterpreted with African American influences.
⑤Classical music: Western orchestral traditions originating in Europe.
⑥Folk music: Songs passed down through oral tradition among communities.
One standout example is the powerful number “Lot’s Wife.” Within just two minutes, the song shifts through multiple styles, layering blues-based melodies with raw, impassioned vocals that create a thrilling blend of genres.
You can find a video of “Lot’s Wife” further down this page – be sure to listen and experience its unforgettable intensity.
Reflecting the poverty and racial tensions of 1960s America
Set in the turbulent 1960s, “Caroline, or Change” mirrors the era of the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, all of which shook America’s social and economic foundation.Through its characters, the show explores poverty, racial injustice, and the struggle to adapt to rapidly changing values. Its unflinching portrayal of real social issues resonated strongly with audiences and went on to win the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical in London.
Show details of Caroline, or Change
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Duration (How long the show)： Running time: 2 hours 25 minutes with an intermission |
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Age Limit： 4 years and older *Child pricing not available |
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Type of the show: Emotional・Touching Stunning Songs Stunning Dance |
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The seating chart： Studio 54 
*Click to view larger image |
Show Time of Caroline, or Change
Regular weekly schedule for the Broadway musical Caroline, or Change. Click “Book Tickets” to view the full schedule with upcoming show dates and times.
Please scroll to the right to view| Performance | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
| Matinee (Daytime) Soiree (Night) |
3PM |
Closed |
7PM |
2PM 8PM |
7PM |
8PM |
2PM 8PM |
Caroline, or Change – Story
The Plot / Summary of Caroline, or Change
Caroline, an African American maid, works for the Jewish Gellman family. Despite her low wages and difficult life, she continues her duties faithfully and without complaint. Rose, Stuart Gellman’s second wife, has just joined the household. Originally from New York, she finds it difficult to adapt to the deeply conservative and racially divided culture of the South.
Nine-year-old Noah Gellman has a habit of leaving spare change in his pockets, which Caroline often finds when doing the laundry. Although Rose scolds him, Noah never changes. Rose eventually tells Caroline to keep any coins she finds in Noah’s pockets as a kind of tip.
On the surface, this seems like a lesson for Noah, but Rose’s real intention is to help ease Caroline’s financial hardship. However, Caroline’s strong faith prevents her from keeping the money for herself, and she instead places each coin in a cup above the washing machine.
What may seem like insignificant pocket change to the Gellmans is, for Caroline, an amount that could help sustain her family. Each time she discovers money, she struggles with the choice: should she quietly set it aside, or break from her beliefs and keep it to support her children? What began as an act of kindness becomes a heavy moral burden, intensified by the sweeping changes and tensions of American society at the time…
Caroline, or Change – Cast, Movie
Characters in Caroline, or Change
Characters in the Broadway musical Caroline, or Change. You can find today’s cast listed in the Playbill, available inside the theatre.
CarolineAn African American maid working for the Jewish Gellman family in Louisiana. A middle-aged single mother raising four children.
Stuart GellmanThe father of the Gellman household. A Jewish man who feels out of place in the deeply religious South, yet remains conservative in nature.
Rose Stopnick GellmanStuart’s second wife. Originally from New York, she struggles with the conservatism of the South and holds progressive views against discrimination.
Noah GellmanThe young son of the Gellman family. Mischievous by nature and unable to warm up to his stepmother Rose.
EmmieCaroline’s eldest daughter. Passionately supports and looks up to the civil rights movement.
The YouTube trailer of Caroline, or Change
This is a promotional video for the Broadway musical “Caroline, or Change.” You can also hear some of the memorable music from Caroline, or Change.
This is the video for Caroline O’Change’s signature song, “Lot’s Wife.” Pay close attention to the soul-stirring vocals.
Caroline, or Change – Explore, FAQ
Behind the Scenes of Caroline, or Change
The Meaning Behind the Title “Change”
The title “Caroline, or Change” carries multiple layers of meaning that define the heart of this Broadway musical. The word “Change” is central to the story and represents three themes:First, it reflects the personal change of Caroline, the protagonist, as she struggles to adapt to a shifting social environment. Second, it symbolizes the social change of rejecting racial divides and embracing coexistence among white, Black, and Jewish communities. Third, “change” also refers to money, specifically coins. In English, the word “change” means both “transformation” and “small money,” and here it highlights the tension between poverty and wealth, urging both sides to understand and accept different values of money.
Broadway’s Second Golden Age of the 1960s
The 1960s are often referred to as Broadway’s second golden age, a time when musicals reflected the social and political turbulence of America. For example, “The Pajama Game”, winner of the 9th Tony Award for Best musical, explored labor issues, while “Hair”, winner of the 23rd Tony Award for Best musical, became a powerful anti-war statement. This era also gave rise to timeless classics like “The Sound of Music” and “A Chorus Line”. By addressing contemporary issues with honesty and creativity, Broadway productions captured the public’s imagination and propelled musicals to new heights of popularity.
Caroline, or Change – FAQ
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Can I buy tickets for Caroline, or Change (Broadway show) on the day of the show?
Tickets are available for purchase until the day before the show through our booking page. See more details about Caroline, or Change tickets.
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How much are tickets for Caroline, or Change (Broadway show)?
Tickets for the Broadway musical Caroline, or Change start at $61 with our discounted prices. See more details for Caroline, or Change tickets.
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Is the English in Caroline, or Change (Broadway show) hard to understand?
The musical Caroline, or Change is an enjoyable show even if you don’t understand English. We recommend reading the synopsis before you go. For other recommended shows, please refer to the Broadway Musical Selection Guide. You’re sure to find a show you’ll love from among the many musicals in New York.
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Do you have a summary or synopsis of Caroline, or Change (Broadway show)?
The story and synopsis of the Broadway musical Caroline, or Change are introduced in the Caroline, or Change Story section. Reading this beforehand will help you easily understand the storyline.
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Who is in the cast of Caroline, or Change (Broadway show)?
You can check the cast of the Broadway musical Caroline, or Change in the Playbill distributed at the theater on the day of the show. The characters of Caroline, or Change are introduced in the Caroline, or Change Characters section.
Caroline, or Change – Review
Reviews & Ratings for Caroline, or Change
Seen Caroline, or Change on Broadway? Rate it with one click voting below! Your vote updates instantly.Audience Feedback & Testimonials for Caroline, or Change
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I saw it once in the West End. It's a musical aimed at adults, dealing with social issues. The best part is the music. I'm always amazed by the singing ability of the lead singers.
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