Extraordinary BEAUTIFUL, the Musical Legacy of Courageous Ground-breaking Singer/Songwriter CAROLE K
- Carl Llabres and Cathy Burroughs
- May 27, 2016
- 5 min read

Do not miss this extraordinary, moving and incredible juke box musical “Beautiful,” based on the life and music of the unforgettable composer/singer/songwriter Carol King that will have you dancing in the aisles with sheer joy at The Fabulous Fox through this Sunday (May 29th) only! As part of The Fox’s outstanding Broadway in Atlanta Series sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, "Beautiful" showcases King’s life as well as her truly amazing songwriting portfolio (in partnership and alone) that exceeds what you even imaginated was the scope of her work. You’ll be amazed at the sheer number of rock and roll hits, many hitting #1, penned by the Gerry Goffin & Carol King team, prior to Carole’s personal ascent to stardom as a solo artist.
A two time Tony Award winner, the show was a major hit on both Broadway and in London’s West End, recently becoming the highest grossing production in New York’s Stephen Sondheim Theatre’s history. Based on the book by Tony and Academy award-nominee Douglas McGrath, directed by Mark Bruni, choreographed by Josh Prince and produced by Paul Blake, the show chronicles the epic and often rocky rise to the top by the wildly talented Carole King. Following her journey as first Brooklyn teen Carol Klein, a spunky, passionate, dedicated young songwriter, and then very young mother, the show depicts that by her early 20’s King was living the dream. Initially, her career is very much behind the scenes, writing for other acts but the traumatic breakup of her marriage to songwriting partner Gerry Goffin propels her out of her insecurity to embrace her talents, discover her full gifts as a singer who always accompanies herself on piano, as she comes to terms with both her inner and outer beauty. This is the powerful and overarching theme behind the title of the musical, based on one of her hit songs, which opens and closes the show with the show within the show of King’s debut at Carnegie Hall.
www.BeautifulOnBroadway.com: Video
The Fox Theater audience opening night could not stop cheering and clapping, often mid song with their uncontainable enthusiasm. You will love this remarkable show which will have you bee-bopping, crying, clapping, cheering, laughing, and dancing in your seats in sheer immersed delight from the first few bars to the very end!

Abby Mueller, whose sister Jessie won the Tony playing this role on Broadway, stars in the national tour beautifully, soulfully and utterly convincingly embodies King's spirit with her exceptional heartfelt voice and interpretation, virtuosic musical chops and a moving and standing ovation worthy performance. I saw both the Broadway version and this one – and adored them both. This one has a pacing and emotional locomotive momentum that carries you in its unrelenting grip from the overture’s first chords.
Liam Tobin is memorable as Carole's troubled, unstable, and occasionally unfaithful husband and song writing partner Gerry Goffin. The show also follows another couple: the singer/songwriting prolific team and King and Goffin’s best friends: Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil. These two remain happily married to this day, continuing as one of the most productive songwriting teams in the compendium of rock and roll. The sexy and adorable Becky Gulsvig shines as sixties hipster songwriter Cynthia Weil and Ben Frankhauser gives a star quality performance on numerous instruments and in numerous genres as hypochondriac, love starved composer Barry Mann. The four lead actors make a terrific team with their chemistry and love connection, palpable. King, Goffin, Weil and Mann were one of the most legendary songwriting teams of the 60's era, and in collaboration with producer Don Kirshner (played with humor and universal appeal by Curt Bouril as a tone deaf producer) formed one of the era's most successful star-making factory, cranking out one hit after another. Also notable was Suzanne Grodner as King's overbearing yet likable mother Genie.
With more than two dozen chart topping triumphs for numerous other artists many of which has becoming standards, Carole continues writing now into her 70's. You will be surprised and likely recognize nearly every song and the recreated performances by the actual bands and singing duos, trios and foursomes from our collective youth! King and Goffin were the husband and wife writing duo behind such classic hits as: "Will You Still Love me Tomorrow" by the Shirelles;" Chains" by the Beatles; "Going Back" by Dusty Springfield; "The Locomotion" by Little Eva (the Goffin's real life baby sitter); "Up on the Roof" by the Drifters; "I'm Into Something Good" by Herman Hermits; "One Fine Day" by the Ciffons;" Pleasant Valley Sunday" by The Monkees, and one of the most memorable anthems of all times: "You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin. Their writing partners and friends: Weil and Mann were the writing duo behind such winners as "You've Lost that Loving Feeling" by the Righteous Brothers and "We've Gotta Get Out of this Place" by The Animals. “Beautiful, the Musical” also includes house rocking tributes to the Chiffons, The Righteous Brothers, The Drifters and King's actual brief teenage boyfriend, Neil Sedaka played with wholesome 60's fervor by John Michael Dias.
Carole King's rise to superstardom in the 70’s (she’s made 25 solo records with record sales more than 75 million copies worldwide) became a reality with the release of her album "Tapestry," one of the biggest selling albums of all time. King was also the first female artist to win Song of the Year in 1972 for "You've Got a Friend" from Tapestry. The song "It's too Late" from Tapestry is an honest depiction of lost love and represents King and Goffin's struggles. Lou Adler, the producer of Tapestry insisted upon adding "You Make me Feel like a Natural Woman" which was almost excluded from the album.
A testament to the quality of Carole King's songs is their and her endurance no doubt infused by her unceasing outlay and effort which includes an acting career, and in recent years, with the release of her autobiography, her acclaimed tour with James Taylor, and the resounding success of this show. King's songs have been covered by a record number of artists and her work continues to be relevant and is still being covered by today's artists including Mariah Carey, “The Reason” by Celine Dion and a haunting version of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" by the late Amy Winehouse. “Beautiful, The Musical” promises a night of nostalgia and emotionally charged exhilaration, featuring songs that have endured the test of time by tapping into the universal themes of love, loss and hope which are the hallmarks of the emotional human experience for all ages in a flawless, first rate production. We loved every minute of it.
For tickets call 1-855-285-8499 or visit: www.Fox Theatre.org. Student Rush tickets are also available. For more information or for upcoming Broadway in Atlanta shows and next season, visit www.BroadwayIn Atlanta.com. The Fabulous historic Fox Theatre is located in midtown at 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
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