The Louisiana premiere of Tony Kushner’s “Caroline, or Change,” with music by Jeanine Tesori, will open at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, in Ralph Squires Hall at the McNeese Shearman Fine Arts Center. Performances will continue through April 26, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, April 27.

Set in Lake Charles, “Caroline, or Change” tells the story of an African American maid working for a Jewish family in 1963, set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement. The story reveals Caroline’s experiences and emotions through her relationship with the family, especially their young son, Noah.

Kushner, a Lake Charles native, received the Pulitzer Prize for “Angels in America,” which also received two Tony awards. “Caroline” was nominated for six Tony awards, including Best Musical, and received the 2006 American Standard Best New Musical Award and the 2007 Laurence Olivier Award Best Musical.

The McNeese Theatre production of “Caroline, or Change” will be dedicated to the Kushner family and Maudie Lee Davis, on whom the musical is based. Lewis Whitlock III is director and John Abegglen is scenic and lighting designer.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults; $15 for McNeese faculty & staff, senior citizens and youth (K-12). McNeese students are admitted free with current ID. Box office will be open from 6-8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays. For reservations, call (337) 475-5043.