By Amanda VanNostrand.
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical has been around for a while now. However, as popular as the musical’s name may be, upon hearing the name ‘Carole King’, some may pause and ask, “who?!” Of course, it depends on the generation in which one was born, but overall Carole King’s music is better known than her name. Regardless of one’s familiarity with Carole King, however, this show is one to be enjoyed by all (while bringing an awareness to the talent behind a name that deserves to be known by all). Great music and acting combined with the beautiful setting and scenery at the Academy of Music create a night to be remembered.
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical covers the story of Carole King, singer and songwriter of ‘Natural Woman’, ‘It’s Too Late’, and numerous others from the 60s and 70s that are known and loved by anyone with the ability to appreciate music. Beginning from the age of sixteen and extending to during, and after life has taken some of its course, this show brings the audience through the truly ‘beautiful’ story that is Carole King’s life. This show proves that as life happens, women become more and more capable and exude their capacity to overcome any and all obstacles thrown at them. Carole’s story on the stage begins as her mother encourages her to become a teacher while she pursues her crazy dream of being a songwriter. Her songs are immediately loved within the music industry and as she meets the supposed man of her dreams her life unfolds in ways she both imagined and perhaps dreaded, and the obstacles and blessings combine to create the phenomenal story that ultimately brought song upon timeless song into this world. King’s story is unique as the quiet face behind the brilliance subtly comes forward and shines, gaining the attention and recognition that she went without for so long.
This Tony & Grammy Award-winning show is entirely unique in its telling. Carole King’s story is of course the main piece while the songs that she and her friends write are performed throughout by the faces of music from their time. From performances by The Drifters to The Righteous Brothers and The Shirelles, these ageless classical songs are performed in various ways that bring audience members nostalgia. Whether one remembers listening to these classics during the time they were high on the charts or listened to them on their parents records or CDs decades later, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical teems meaningful song and memory for nearly all.
The entirety of the production is well done: costumes (Alejo Vietti), scenic design (Derek McLane), and even wig & hair design (Charles G. LaPointe) create authenticity in the setting of the 60s and 70s while the story speaks volumes. This piece – the story – the courage and grit that resided so strongly in King – is what is likely to stick with the audience. Although the music is enjoyable, King’s life is what presents meaning and makes these songs even more significant in the end. Understanding the why and how of art that springs out of a person gives art new purpose, and the songs in Beautiful – The Carole King Musical will fall into a whole new perspective to viewers after hearing their originating tales.
Acting and singing clearly deserve a mention when highlighting the story of a brilliant singer/songwriter. The cast of this show is sublime, and brings Carole’s tale, as well as her songs, the joy and perfection that they deserve. Sarah Bockel plays the role of Carole King and does her as much justice as possible without being King herself. (‘Natural Woman’ is definitely one to look forward to!) Bockel and Dylan S. Wallach, who plays her husband and fellow song-writer Gerry Goffin, have excellent chemistry and perform their songs and general scenes together in a way that casts beauty and meaning on the imperfections of life and love. The entire cast spouts talent, though; the singing and dancing (with fantastic choreography – Joyce Chittick) add entertainment to this already significant story.
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical is every bit as great as you have heard it is. The reputation that precedes it is deserved: this is, without a doubt, a show worth seeing.