I was not compensated for this post. I was given tickets for the purpose of review. Thank you to Savvy Meema for attending on behalf of Raising 3 Savvy Ladies. All thoughts and opinions are her own.
How lucky I was to attend this beautiful show! From the moment I saw the show’s advertisement, I knew I just had to see it. It was an amazing night! This tribute to such an extraordinary woman (songwriter – performer – author) proved to be an incredible evening.
Carole King was Brooklyn born in 1942 and this performance showcases the beginning of her career in the early 1960’s to her successful Tapestry album in 1971. She wrote her first #1 hit when she was only 17! This show was also a learning experience. I was surprised to learn when I heard some of those familiar tunes that Carole was the writer. Her talent (along with former husband Gerry Goffin) changed musical history.
Not only did I know the lyrics of every song – starting with Neil Sedaka’s “Oh Carol” – everyone else in the audience did as well. I looked around and many theatergoers were either mouthing the words or had a big smile on their face.
Jessie Mueller is exceptional in her portrayal of Carole King. She is so energetic and enthusiastic, it’s contagious. She is Carole King’s body double – she looks and sounds just like her. The set is illuminating – little cubicles with singing and dancing activities taking place on several levels.
(Jessie Mueller as Carole King: Photo by Joan Marcus)
These songs are part of your life. Whether you’re a baby boomer of a certain age and heard them when they were first recorded or much, much younger and were exposed to this music through parents, radio, TV and movies. These songs are classic; they’ll be us forever! The show makes you feel good (not so happy for Carole when her marriage to Gerry Goffin was disintegrating) in that you had an inner feeling of nostalgia forcing you to remember how old you were and what was happening in your life at the time of each song’s release and popularity. (I still have my original Tapestry album. Although long replaced by a CD, I still treasure this 33.)
You’ll travel with Carole on her road to success from her NYC beginning days to her becoming a songwriting legend. You are so proud of her when she makes the big decision to move to California as a single parent. She is no longer shy and meek but a truly independent “Natural Woman”. She is considered the most successful and respected female songwriter.
Treat yourself to this wonderful production! You’ll go down a musical Memory Lane and enjoy the talents of a wonderful, amazing and talented cast. You’ll love the faux appearances by Neil Sedaka, The Drifers, The Shirelles, to name a few. The only item missing in the theatre was a dance floor for the audience – you had to fight a magnetic force to keep your feet still!
Follow Carole’s words of wisdom for happiness to make your life “beautiful” as well:
“You’ve got to get up every morning
And show the world all the love in your heart!”
Get tickets for this show and your day will truly be “some kind of wonderful”.
The Cast of Beautiful: Photo by Joan Marcus
It sounds like a very inspiring play
Oh, I’d love to see this play! I’d be singing along in the audience too!
She was very popular when I was very young. i remember my Mom playing her songs often. I didn’t know there was a Broadway show about her.
Such a great play – I hope to see it
That sounds like a great show! I remember her well from my childhood years.
I have never been to a musical this sounds like fun.
As a teen in the 70s, I was a big Carole King fan. I knew all the words to all the songs on Tapestry by heart. Once had the opportunity to see her live at Lake Compounce in Bristol, CT
I would love this. The music would be awesome.
Heard many positive things about this musical.. and the music is great.
Can I tell you how much I really want to see this show, I just love Carole King.
I have made plans for my girls friends and I to go in the fall
Sounds like a great show!
I’ve been a Carole King fan for probably 50 years. Love to see this show.
this would of been fun to attend. I enjoyed her music.