Beautiful - The Carole King Musical - A.C.T. of CT

Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, playing at A.C.T. of CT through November 22, is an entertaining blend of charm, nostalgia, and showmanship.  The  production’s overall feel and musicality will resonate greatly with a generation of baby boomers (as well as younger audiences).  Julia Bain who plays the pop icon, gives an impressive performance for her embodiment of the singer-songwriter.  The show, unlike many jukebox musicals, has a mostly compelling book (think Jersey Boys), that traces the artist’s formative years in the music industry, from a bashful, yet assertive 17 year old, through the defining moment of her career, the release of her solo album, "Tapestry," still one of the biggest selling albums in music history with over 25 million sold.  The story of Beautiful is not always uplifting as King deals with an early marriage, divorce, single parenthood, and a crisis of confidence during these years.

 

King, alone and with then husband Gerry Goffin, penned dozens of hit songs, which form the basis for much of the show’s score.  They include their first number one record, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” for the Shirelles, “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “Up on the Roof,” “The Locomotion,” and a generous helping of songs from the landmark LP “Tapestry.”

 

But while this is a musical spotlighting Carole King, book writer Douglas McGrath has smartly woven into the mix the friendly, playful, and competitive esprit de corps Goffin and King had with songwriters Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann.  This allows for a generous dollop of their hits which include “Walking in the Rain,” “On Broadway,” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” (the most played song of the 20th century). 

 

While the book provides a cohesive plot and allows for a firmly developed point-counterpoint between the songwriting teams, the overall results for Beautiful can be problematic, primarily, because McGrath has so much material to choose from.  The question boils down to what to include/condense/omit within the roughly twenty-year time frame of the musical.  This allows, for example, only glimpses into the creative process where, even occasionally, a more expansive exploration would have been satisfying. 

 

The four actors portraying the two song writing teams are engaging and appealing individually and as a group.  Julia Bain’s portrayal of the legendary singer brings out King’s vulnerability, charm, and chutzpah.  Her smile, from the very first notes of the show, to its rousing finale, lights up the stage.  Jake Goz gives Gerry Goffin a brash and self-confident air, at first, but then effectively changes direction as he is consumed by insecurities and self-doubt.   Mary Grace Humphries is self-assured and vibrant as Carolyn Weil while Barrett Riggins adds a fine comic touch as the composer Barry Mann.

 

Director/Choreographer Parker Esse adroitly guides the production, skillfully presenting the abridged version of King’s early career.    The pacing is quick, with swift scene changes never allowing for tedium to set in.  He is at his best when working with the songwriters either in tandem or all together. His incorporation of musical acts, performing some of the show’s dozens of hits are well-done with syncopated choreographed numbers.  

 

David Goldstein and Matthew Herman’s multi-level modular set, lit with bright neon colors by Charlie Morrison, give a 60’s, early 70’s vibe as in the TV shows Shindig and Hullabaloo.  The Scenic Designers, in a nod to those vinyl years, have hundreds of LPs neatly stacked on backstage shelving.  Tammy Spencer’s flashy Costume Designs and Catherine Petty Rogers’ Wig Designs marvelously recreate the looks of the era.

 

Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, a highly pleasing trip down memory lane.   Playing at A.C.T. of CT through November 22.  Click here dates, times, and ticket information.