Beautiful: The Carole King Musical kicks off the New Year – and continues the tune-filled momentum that’s been driving the first-rate stage performances at the Wick Theatre in Boca Raton during its 11th season.
A jukebox musical based on a book by Douglas McGrath, Beautiful focuses on the remarkable career of songwriter/vocalist Carole King – the brilliant artist who crafted the nation’s popular musicscape starting just after the mid-20th century mark. Despite obstacles, she eventually soared to the top of the musical success ladder — and has never looked back.
“Carole King’s music has captivated audiences for more than six decades. She wrote or co-wrote more than 118 pop hits that notched high numbers on the Billboard Hot 100 charts,” said Marilynn A. Wick, managing executive producer. “Beautiful celebrates her profound influence, the power of music and the enduring legacy of her songs on our culture.”
Starring as King is versatile actress/singer Monet Sabel, who performed the role on Broadway and in numerous regional productions. The large cast also features Sean William Davis as Gerry Goffin, Taylor Hilt Mitchell as Barry Mann and Wick regular Leah Sessa as Cynthia Weil.
Helming this exceptional production are celebrated Director Jeffrey B. Moss and Musical Director Bobby Peaco, also Wick faves. Making her regional debut is choreographer Melanie Fraber, who shapes the ensemble’s fine footwork.
Leaders of this musical pack have pulled together a stellar cast. A talented tech crew crafted elegant, eye-pleasing sets. With such obvious on-stage talent, the Wick has captured King’s energy, songs and lively umph in a thought-provoking tale of a young girl from Brooklyn who overcame tough odds to capture the hearts of pop music lovers.
This bio-musical paints a noteworthy portrait of King from her early career in music — a trade her mother initially abhorred — through her personal life — including an erratic and, in the end, failed marriage to songwriting partner Gerry Goffin.
Working together, King and Goffin did well, producing such songs as “Chains” (for The Cookies, later covered by the Beatles), “Loco-Motion,” “Keep Your Hands off My Baby” (both for their babysitter. ‘Little Eva’ Boyd ), “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” for The Shirelles and “One Fine Day” for the Chiffons, along with a multitude of other tunes.
The duo joined the ranks of ‘60s tune masters at New York’s Brill Building and poured their soul into crafting a melodious culture. Their rivalry-riddled friendship with office-next-door music making competitors Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil is well-documented throughout the show.
Act One actually splits its focus between the King/Goffin and Weil/Mann duos, allowing for a broader range of songs to be included. The cast does a stellar job of re-creating performances by iconic music artists from the ’50s and ’60s, adding a nostalgic touch to the production.
What sets Beautiful apart from other bio-tales? It tells a compelling, often funny, sometimes painful story of a beloved composer on her way to stardom, beset by a troubled marriage while taking us on a joyride through the halcyon days of pop music.
King’s intriguing tune-filled legend continues to blossom in the 21st century. Now in her 80s, her capability dynamically endures in records and on stages across the world – such as Carnegie Hall. Her history of astounding vocals and fancy keyboard work continues entertaining throngs of fans.
While King and Goffin shared a successful partnership for years, it was not without conflicts. The eventual divorce and other woes associated with the break-up prompted King to jump back into song writing with full force. But when she does, she finds the tunes are turning out to be very personal. She decides that only she can sing them.
