REVIEW — Jukebox musicals are all the rage these days. “Mamma Mia,” is now an old but popular warhorse and newer productions like “Moulin Rouge,” “& Juliet” and “Tina” will likely become staples of musical theater for years to come. But “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical” really sets itself apart from the crowd. It contains 30 hits that span the early days of the rock-n-roll era, up through the early 1970s, but most importantly, is a moving, and often very funny biography of arguably the greatest female singer-songwriter of the past century.
First time audiences often have the same reaction: it’s simply mind-blowing how many classic songs Carole King wrote with her partner Gerry Goffin before she became a star in her own right in 1971. “Beautiful” not only showcases those early hits, as we watch Carole sell her first song at 17 while still a kid growing up in New York City, but those early songs, often performed by black groups like The Shirelles and The Drifters, are presented in stellar fashion here and involve a superlative cast where apparently everyone has the singing chops of a Tony award winner.
Sara Sheperd absolutely nails King’s famous spunk and chutzpah, and displays a terrific voice of her own that simulates without impersonating – always a deceptively difficult challenge. Matthew Amira lends gravitas to the role of Goffin, who writes with King from their very humble beginnings. And while their working relationship was a perfect match, their marriage had more than a few ups and downs, and those challenges boil over in Act 2.
Some Carole King die-hards may feel at first a bit cheated since nearly half the show’s songs are penned by the duo of Barry Mann (Ryan Farnsworth) and Cynthia Weil (Taylor Aronson), the best friends whose hit-making ability and friendly competition really pushed King and Goffin to produce their best work. But the inclusion of these characters is a critical part of King’s story, and as Farnsworth and Weil prove repeatedly, they are incredibly gifted singers in their own right.
Carole King’s impact can’t be overestimated. “Tapestry,” her iconic solo album was on the charts for six years, and was every bit as ubiquitous on turntables as anything by her contemporaries James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and Jackson Browne.
“Beautiful – The Carole King Musical” is just that: a beautiful portrayal of a pioneering singer and writer who rose to prominence during an amazing period of American music, and is a piece of Broadway-quality theater that’s easy to enjoy – especially in Tuacahn’s wonderfully air-conditioned indoor venue!
“Beautiful – The Carole King Musical” performs daily except Sunday through Aug. 19 with ticket prices ranging from $32 to $91. Children under 3 are not permitted. Contact Tuacahn.org or 435-652-3300 for tickets and information.
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