Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is spectacular

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With the very first note from the orchestra the air is electrified as the magical musical journey begins and the story of the utterly amazing Carole King unfolds. It begins with Carole King played flawlessly and with clear absolute conviction by Abby Mueller as she delivers the song “So Far Away.” Surprise! Next it is Neil Sedaka [John Michael Diaz] with a taste of his 1959 hit song “Oh! Carol” a product of Sedaka’s teenaged crush on Carole King.

CaroleKing3Other songs early in Act One include “Be-Bop-A-Lula,” “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “Who Put the Bomp” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” Each song, each masterful performance rekindles musical memories of times long gone but happily remembered and all product of the genius that is Carole King.

The show takes you through the early days of Carole’s musical journey in her New York home with her less than totally supporting but clearly loving mom. While attending James Madison High School in the 1950’s Carol Klein changed her name to Carole King, formed a band called the Co-Sines and made demo records with her friend Paul Simon. She moved on to Queens College where she met and began writing songs with Gerry Goffin. Then let the journey begin.

I will not spoil the show by revealing details other than to say it is clearly a magical carpet ride complete with massive musical triumphs and dark personal challenges ultimately taking Carole King away from her beloved New York City to Los Angeles where she rekindled her music career.

CaroleKing5Every performance by everyone on stage was theatrical magic at its finest. The music was completely captivating and the show Beautiful The Carol King Musical was nothing short of spectacular. Barry Mann, The Righteous Brothers, The Shirelles and The Drifters are all represented in the show that truly is beautiful.

You may enjoy Beautiful The Carole King Musical now at the Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028. It runs now through July 17th with show times Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. More information including reservations available online Here or by calling 323-468-1770

Photos by Niederlander