Roy Berko
BEAUTIFUL, THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, though there were some acting and choreographic stumbles, and the script is more soap-opera than quality musical writing, gets an audience pleasing production at Beck. The music is wonderful. The cast sings with gusto. There is lots of dancing. It is well-worth a look-see!
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Howard Gollop
Despite a spectacular multifunctional Broadway-calibre set by Cheri Prough DeVol -- at once a TV soundstage, music studio and living spaces, reflecting fetching midcentury aesthetics -- the show's inherent demand for the kind of musical talent to convince the audience they are seeing iconic musical legends remains unfulfilled, despite convincing R&B choreography by Lauren Tidmore Marousek. Fortunately, matters of choreography are replaced by piano-playing and soulful singing verisimilitude of the titular character as she achieves such milestone albums as 1971's "Tapestry." In this realm, Beck Center and its star Elsie Carlisle are nothing short of "Kingly."
To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.
Sheri Gross
There are only a few more opportunities to catch “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” at Beck Center – a show that shines the spotlight on King’s journey to stardom, the ups and downs of her marriage and partnership with Goffin, ultimately leading her to move across the country to create her breakout album, “Tapestry,” helping to shatter the ceiling for women who sing their own songs.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.
Mark Horning
While short on story and drama, in the end, the sold out audience was on its feet for the last two numbers “Beautiful” and “I Feel The Earth Move Under My Feet” and everyone left “...with a smile on their face.” and you will to. Snatch up a ticket before they are all gone!
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Chris Howey
While it leaves the audience waiting for the full King experience until late in the play, the build-up provides a look into her life's tapestry.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.
Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
The musical reflects the album Tapestry, the marker that King found her voice, rights, value, priority, and independence after her divorce from Gerry Goffin and her relocation, with her two daughters, to Los Angeles. Elsie Carlisle plays Carole King with her amazing musical talent. A classically trained pianist—just like Carole King—Carlisle mesmerizes the audience by inviting them to a world where the beauty of the chords, melodies, and lyrics flow out of her elegance, sweetness, and humanity. Strong performers, including Mikhail Roberts, Reese Henrick, Chris Richards, Susan Stein, and Jordan Potter, play the people who are instrumental in King's growth and success.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.
