The writing duos of Carole King & Gerry Goffin and Cynthia Weil & Barry Mann wrote many of the top hits of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful- The Carole King Musical tells the story of a sixteen year old girl from Brooklyn who becomes one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time. The story is exciting and fun but also very real and emotional, and it is coupled with an incredible B-plot of the relationship between Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann.
I had the privilege to see the original Broadway cast including Jessie Mueller as Carole King, who won a Tony for the role, and it was one of the best musicals I had ever seen (and the first time I saw the show I had a standing room only ticket, so I sincerely mean that). When it was announced that the show would be going on tour I knew I would have to make it a point to see it!
My excitement was further escalated by the announcement that Abby Mueller would be playing Carole King! Yes, she is the sister of Jessie Mueller, but that's not the only reason it's great that she's playing Carole King. She is also a fantastic musical theater performer in her own right, and she brings her own unique aspects to the portrayal of Carole King. The rest of the cast is also incredible! Liam Toby plays Gerry Goffin, Ben Fankhauser, who was recently seen as 'Henry' in North Carolina Theatre's production of Next to Normal, plays Barry Mann and Becky Gulsvig plays Cynthia Weil. And you can't forget about the excellent ensemble of actors who bring the music to life in a big way!
I can't say much of anything that's new about why this show is so incredible and truly a must-see, but I will tell you I got my mom tickets for her birthday and had to basically drag her to see the show with me, but I chose to drag her because I knew she would thoroughly enjoy it. Since we saw the show, she has told every single person she has encountered that they need to get to DPAC immediately and see this fantastic show!
Here are just a few of the local reviews Beautiful - The Carole King Musical has received:
Beautiful - The Carole King Musical is playing at DPAC through October 4 and then moves on to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.. You can find all of the upcoming tour dates here. Don't miss this incredible show when it comes to a city near you!
