Caroline

Caroline is a new play by Preston Max Allen making its World Premiere at the MCC Theater Off-Broadway in New York. It is directed by David Cromer, who recently directed the Broadway productions of Dead Outlaw and Good Night, and Good Luck.

Caroline is the beautiful story about the relationship between a struggling single mom and her 9 year old transgender daughter. When the mother, Maddie, needs to take her daughter, Caroline, out of town due to transphobic violence, she takes her daughter to her parents’ house. This is the first time Maddie’s parents learn they have a 9 year old granddaughter and the first time they have seen Maddie in many years. The relationship between Maddie and her parents is complicated and full of history related to substance abuse, class issues, and more.

The story feels very realistic and is so timely. The audience is offered a good balance of laughing and crying throughout the play.

Chloë Grace Moretz’s performance as Maddie, a mother and a daughter, is just outstanding, and she teaches us what good motherhood actually looks like. I very much enjoyed her performance, and I want to tell Maddie I am so proud of her.

Amy Landecker as Rhea, the mother and grandmother, similarly delivers an excellent performance, and I find myself still upset with her as I write this. Only very good writing and acting can make you feel the feels hours after the show is over.

And last but not least, River Lipe-Smith is fantastic as Caroline. My favorite moment in her acting is when she completely changes her mood early in the show after her mother uses her new name for the first time.

All three performers in this cast are just so excellent in conveying their emotions throughout the story.

I also really enjoyed the set (scenic design by Lee Jellinek), and the patron sitting next to me and I had a full discussion about the set before the show even started. We noticed little details like the thermostat on the wall, and later, I really enjoyed something as simple as the light in the built-in refrigerator. There was really good attention to detail with this set.

The costume design by David Hyman is also very good, and in particular, I understood Rhea’s character before she even spoke, partly due to her clothing (and partly due to her posture). The same is true of Maddie’s costumes.

The sound design by Christopher Darbassie also has very minor details that I noticed and that make a positive contribution to the experience. The lighting design by Tyler Micoleau is also very good.

This talented creative team also includes Robert Pickens (hair and wig design), Suki Tsujimoto (make up design), Gigi Buffington (voice and text coach), Samanta Shoffner (props supervisor), and Nicole Johnson, Em Chester / Harriet Tubman Effect as DEI consultant. Casting is by The Telsey Office / Caparelliotis Casting.

Caroline has been extended and is now running through November 16. This is not one to miss!

See more show reviews from 2025.