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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Also see Gil's reviews of Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation and Bob & Jean: A Love Story
What sets Beautiful at the top of the jukebox musical genre is that, while audiences may already be familiar with the treasure trove of songs Carole King wrote and performed, many are unfamiliar with her personal journey and the sheer breadth of her songwriting accomplishments, especially those she wrote in partnership with her husband, Gerry Goffin. Arizona Broadway Theatre's production of Beautiful is fantastic, with an exceptional cast led by Melissa Campbell, who offers a heartfelt and honest portrayal that captures King's humble beginnings, emotional depth, and ultimate empowerment. The plot follows King from her teenage years as a budding composer in New York City to her meteoric rise as one of the most successful songwriters of the 1960s. She and her husband and lyricist, Gerry Goffin, pen a string of chart-topping hits for groups like The Shirelles, The Drifters, Aretha Franklin, The Chiffons, and The Monkees. Carole and Gerry share a creative spark, but their relationship is tested by personal and professional pressures. Meanwhile, their friendly rivalry with fellow songwriting team Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann brings both humor and heart to the story. As Carole's confidence grows and her personal life begins to unravel, she ultimately finds the strength to launch a solo career, culminating in the creation of her landmark album "Tapestry." What elevates Beautiful beyond a nostalgic revue is its strong book by Douglas McGrath, which dives deeply into King's personal and professional journey, highlighting her struggles with self-worth, her turbulent marriage, and the courage it took to find her voice as a solo artist. Seamlessly woven throughout these emotional highs and lows are the many hits King composed, including "You've Got a Friend," "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," and "It's Too Late." The decision to also include the songs written in this same period by Weil and Mann, who also wrote for record producer Donnie Kirshner at the same time as King and Goffin, adds both dramatic tension and comedic charm to the story while showcasing the breadth of talent this quartet of songwriters had. Melissa Campbell delivers a heartfelt, nuanced, and deeply authentic performance, capturing both the vulnerability and quiet strength that defined King's journey from an eager teenager to a confident solo artist. Campbell's natural charm makes King's transformation from shy songwriter to self-assured performer feel both genuine and inspiring. Campbell's rich, warm, and expressive vocals excel throughout. Courtney Dease is great as Gerry Goffin, delivering a portrayal with depth and layers that shows both Goffin's creative genius and the personal demons that led to the unraveling of his marriage with King. As Cynthia Weil, Madeline Canfield brings sharp comedic timing and charisma, while Ryan Ardelt easily balances the humor and sweet, neurotic charm of Barry Mann. As Genie Klein, Carole's mother, Carolyn McPhee adds a dash of tough love and dry wit, and James Schultz provides steady support as Donnie Kirshner, the music producer who helps launch King's career. The ensemble deliver many showstopping performances as the various groups that King, Goffin, Weil, and Mann wrote for. Danny Gorman's direction keeps the pace brisk while allowing room for the many emotional moments to resonate. The transitions between dialogue and musical numbers are fluid, and Lynzee Foreman's spotless and energetic choreography and musical staging deliver performance numbers with flair and polish. Numbers like "On Broadway," "Up on the Roof," "The Loco-Motion," and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" are staged with electric energy. The creative elements are equally impressive. The scenic design by Ryan Howell uses a second level and two spiral staircases to smartly evoke the rooms in the Brill Building, the various performance venues in the show, and many locales in the plot, while Meredith Buckley's costumes help ground the story in the time it covers, from the late 1950s to early 1970s. Aaron Bowersox's rich lighting enhances both the intimacy of the dramatic moments and spectacle of each energetic musical number, and Steve Zumbrun's music direction brings King's music to vibrant life, with rich, full vocals from the entire cast and bright notes from the impressive eight-piece orchestra, with the sound design by Collin Stake and Joshua Sainz delivering crisp vocals and clear sounds. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is a moving, uplifting, and expertly crafted musical. With a talented cast who do an excellent job delivering the show's emotionally rich storytelling and unforgettable music, Arizona Broadway Theatre's production celebrates the power of the perseverance, artistry, and incredible legacy of Carole King. Also, ABT's executive chef Jake Heintz continues to present exceptional food offerings for Phoenix's only dinner theatre. While the menu for Beautiful may not be as themed as some of the menus for past shows, the barbecue brisket burger is exceptional and the triple berry cobbler one of the best desserts I've ever had at ABT. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical runs through May 25, 2025, at Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 West Paradise Lane, Peoria AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.azbroadway.org or call 623-776-8400. Director: Danny Gorman Cast: |
