By Cari Lynn Pace
When I was 20, I listened to Carole King’s album Tapestry so often it’s a wonder the phonograph needle didn’t cut through to the other side. I sang along with the gusto of youth and the emotion of young love. I was nurtured by all the heartfelt lyrics to “It’s Too Late”, “I Feel the Earth Move”, “So Far Away” and of course “(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman”. After 50 years, this quiet superstar’s songs still blow me away every time I hear them.
Apparently, I am not the only one who is touched by Carole King’s musical legacy. When Transcendence Theatre Company announced they would present the jukebox musical Beautiful: The Carole King Musical as part of their summer “Broadway Under the Stars” in Sonoma, the first weekend sold out. They brought this blockbuster home to California, where it began.
What makes this show so instantly popular, besides the many Grammy Award-winning hits?
It’s a journey of hope, talent, and truth. It chronicles how this talented teen became one of America’s greatest songwriters, and shared her heart with others. With a book written by Douglas McGrath, the show follows 15-year-old Carole as she persists and pesters New York music publishers to purchase her songs. Her music pairs like butter with popcorn when she partners with lyricist Gerry Goffin and befriends friendly rivals Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.
Carole’s first songs were not hers to record, as her producer Donny Kirshner wanted a teeny bopper sound for his hitmakers. He assigned her songs to proven winners, brought to the top of the charts by The Drifters, The Shirelles, Little Eva, The Righteous Brothers, and others. It’s only later in her life, when Carole moves to California, that she is encouraged to share her voice on stage. Hit after hit rocks with dazzling costumes designed by Melinda Hare and tight choreography by Vasthy Mompoint. Over two dozen songs get the toes tapping in this joyful road from nostalgia to now.
Carole is admirably portrayed by Britta Rae, and what a voice she channels! She’s joined by Billy Cohen as her husband and songwriting partner. Standout voices also include those of Anne Terze-Schwarz as Cynthia Weil and David R. Gordon as Barry Mann. Tony Clements is Donny Kirshner, the producer with all the power, and Suzanne Grodner has laughs as Carole’s Jewish mother. The huge and hugely talented cast of 21 sings, acts, and moves stage panels as smoothly as a drop of mercury.
The two-tiered stage constructed by Transcendence Theatre for their outdoor shows at Fazio Field in Sonoma places the band, under the baton of veteran Susan Draus, in a lofty spot intermittently shared by the performers. Draus was Music Director for the national tour so she never misses a beat. Music, action, lights, and so much dazzle… a Beautiful night to celebrate. Kudos to Director Tony Gonzalez, a winning performer himself, for bringing us the “best night ever!”
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is an outdoor experience in comfortable seats under the stars. There are four remaining performances this week on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, August 14 – 17, at 7:30 PM. All are welcome to join TTC’s pre-show picnic featuring live music, gourmet food for pre-order, local wines, and cast meet-and-greets beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Bring coverups in case the evening chill arrives.
As Carole would say, this show is truly “Some Kind of Wonderful.”
Photos by Ray Mabry and Rob Martel
Cari Lynn Pace is a long-time Bay Area theatre critic whose reviews were regularly featured in the Marinscope Community Newspapers.
North Bay Stage and Screen 