Caroline, or Change (2004 Original Broadway Cast)
Remember 1958, when milquetoastThe Music Manwon the Tony for Best Musical over brashly innovativeWest Side Story? It's likely that one day we'll remember 2004 as the year wholesomeAvenue Qwon over brilliantly daringCaroline, or Change. The Tony Kushner-Jeanine Tesori collaboration proves that a show can be smart, inspirational, provocative, touching, and simply beautiful all at the same time. And lest you thinkCarolineis the kind of musical that's good for you in a spinach kind of way, this two-CD set demonstrates that the show's also terrifically fun. Because the plot is set in 1963 Louisiana, Tesori's ultra-melodic score, delivered by a superb cast, expertly weaves together R&B;, gospel, doo-wop, soul and girl-group pop (check out the lovely "Salty Teardrops"). And of course there's a bona fide showstopper for Caroline (Tonya Pinkins) in the heartwrenching "Lot's Wife," which had New York audiences in tears during the show's run. Truly extraordinary.--Elisabeth Vincentelli