Beautiful, the Carole King musical

Beautiful, the Carole King musical
by Zach Theatre

Jul. 31 - Sep. 22
Wednesdays-Sundays

Long before she was Carole King, chart-topping music legend, she was Carol Klein, a Brooklyn girl with passion and chutzpah. She fought her way into the record business as a teenager and, by the time she reached her twenties, had the husband of her dreams and a flourishing career writing hits for the biggest acts in rock ‘n’ roll. But it wasn’t until her personal life began to crack that she finally managed to find her true voice.

Beautiful tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. Beautiful features a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, including “I Feel The Earth Move,” “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend” and the title song.

Review by Cat McCarry, Austin Chronicle, August 16, 2024

The cast includes Leslie McDonel as Carole King, Hayden Stanes as Gerry Goffin, Sarah Burke as Cynthia Weil, Logan Foster as Barry Mann, Andre Martin as Don Kirshner, Amber Quick as Genie Klein, Kenny Williams at Lead Drifter, Desmond Newson, Russell J. Scott, and Tyler Wesley as The Drifters, Lilly Lane Stafford as Betty, u/s Carole, Connor Barr as Neil Sedaka/Righteous Brother/Lou Adler, u/s Barry, Helena Laing as Shirley/Shirelle, Colin Sullivan as Nick/Low Righteous Brother, u/s Gerry/Don, Tatyana Smith as Little Eva/Shirelle, Cameron Thomas as Lucille/Shirelle, McKenlee Wilson as Janelle Woods/Shirelle, Brooke Cox as Marilyn Wald, u/s Cynthia, Sarah Hacksaw as u/s Shirelles/Marilyn/Betty, and Nicholas Hunter as u/s Drifters.

“Carole King is one of the most important pop writers of all time. The beauty and universality of her music has made it an indelible part of our collective experience. Beautiful follows her story highlighting how music shapes our lives and how our lives shape the music,” said director Cassie Abate. “It also spans a seismic shift in the music industry from song factories to singer/songwriters. Like King’s music, the show is joyful, heartwarming, and moving. I am excited to witness this incredible cast embody artists such as the Drifters, Shirelles, and Righteous Brothers as well as bring to life the enduring friendship between King, her husband and writing partner Gerry Goffin, and fellow writers Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Leslie McDonel is an extraordinary artist whose soulful voice and effervescence bring the music to the next level. Her renditions of King hits such as “A Natural Woman,” “It’s Too Late,” “Beautiful,” and “I Feel the Earth Move” make this musical a must see experience!”

Beautiful is directed by Cassie Abate with musical direction by Allen Robertson and choreography by Christa Oliver. THe production team includes Ann Beyersdorfer as scenic designer, Brady Flock as properties designer, Johanna Pan as costume designer, Kristin Knipp as costume coordinator, Anna Fugate as hair and makeup designer, Sarah Maines as lighting designer, Austin Brown as associate lighting designer, Jacob Zamarripa as assistant lighting designer, Josh Millican as sound designer, Leigh’Ann Andrews as AEA stage manager, Ruben Cruz as AEA assistant stage manager, Daphne Curran as assistant stage manager, and Ella Jackson as production assistant.

Beautiful, the Carole King musical
by Douglas McGrath
Zach Theatre

Wednesdays-Sundays,
July 31 - September 22, 2024

Zach Theatre Topfer Mainstage
1510 Toomey Road
Austin, TX, 78704

July 31 - September 22, 2024

Wednesdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Topfer mainstage at the Zach Theatre

Click HERE for ticketing page

Special Events in celebration of Beautiful: