The 41st Annual Jeff Equity Awards were presented last night, and among the winners (see the list here), Court Theatre’s Caroline, or Change took home the following major awards:
- Actress in a Principal Role, Musical (E. Faye Butler)
- Production of a Musical — Large
- Director of a Musical (Charles Newell)
- Music Direction (Doug Peck)
I saw Caroline in the Fall last year, and it blew. my. mind. There were rumors last year that Court was looking into an open-ended run someplace in the city, but those never materialized. Maybe now? But only with E. Faye in the lead, please, as it was one of the most — if not THE most — powerful stage performances I’ve ever seen. So: should we start a campaign?
The Jeff-winning E. Faye in Court Theatre’s Caroline, or Change
Related post: My thoughts on the Equity Jeff noms.
Chicago Theatre Addict 
Yes yes yes. The production was brilliant and it could still sell tickets–though I think a limited engagement would make more sense…it’s pretty tough stuff to expect more than a few weeks. I don’t know how the money would happen, but someone, step up and do it!
Hi, Zev! Thanks for commenting.
Yes, the show broke Court B.O. records, and was extended several weeks. I went late in the run, and it was full, with standing room only.
There’s no reason why it couldn’t succeed in a longer run. And so topical, too!
[…] Bob at Confessions of a Chicago Theatre Addict has a suggestion regarding “Caroline, or Change” since it won four awards last night. Personally, that sounds like a good idea to me, but […]
I’m in favor of this idea because I keep hearing wonderful things about this production and I keep hating the fact that I was unable to see it.
And I’m not sure about an open run, but that’s because I don’t know that much about whether or not people would rush out to see this again. (Which, I think they would judging from what I’ve heard.)
As much as I would love for this to happen, sadly, it wont. I know E. Faye was having a hard time working it out in her schedule, but when it all came down to it, it just wouldn’t be cost effective. It’s a pretty large show in terms of cast size, band, etc. and to do a move like that north, ticket prices would have to be pretty high and they would have to sell a whole lot of tickets in order for it to be even close to financially possible.