There are only a handful of singer songwriters on the planet who are as prolific as Carole King.
Her collaborations with her first writing partner and husband, Gerry Goffin, created some of the worlds biggest hits for the Drifters, Shirelles, Little Eva, The Righteous Brothers and many more.
Beautiful takes us through King’s naïve upbringing in Brooklyn through love and loss, migration to California, the 1971 release of her mega-selling, multiple Grammy award-winning album Tapestry and her subsequent appearance at Carnegie Hall.
This musical is incredibly reminiscent of shows like Jersey Boys and Memphis offering behind the scenes reality to the Showbiz sparkle, glamour, façade of the stage.
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The audience came alive during hits including King’s “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “You Make Me feel Like a Natural Woman,” and of course “Beautiful.”
Other musical numbers include “Happy Days Are Here Again,” “Uptown,” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin Feeling.”
These hits are timeless and sound as great today as they did in the 60’s. This a testament to King’s superb talent and phenomenal skill.
Of course, the stand-out performance was by Katie Brayben who owns the role of Carole with confidence and authenticity. She has a natural innocence matched with unthinkable talent that is infectious.
Beautiful the Musical doesn’t take itself too seriously, they clearly parody the Drifters set with cheesy suits and moves.
The orchestra should also be congratulated. Tremendous arrangements and orchestrations throughout.
This is certainly not the greatest musical I’ve ever seen and there’s certainly nothing new, however, this celebrates a ladies genius who deserves every second of the nightly standing ovation.
3.5*** for Beautiful West End.
Aldwych Theatre – Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DF – Tel: 0845 200 7981
Beautiful also plays at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre 43rd Street Broadway.
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