[Free Lance-Star] Theater review: 'Beautiful' is wonderful at Riverside

GAIL CHOOCHAN - The Free Lance-Star

September 26, 2024

(Photo courtesy of Riverside/Suzanne Carr Rossi)

efore she became a music legend, Carole King was simply Carole Klein, a precocious teen from Brooklyn with big dreams. When most kids her age were still figuring out who they wanted to be, Carole already knew — she wanted to be a songwriter.

It would take a while for her to sing her own songs. She was busily creating tunes for others (The Drifters, The Chiffons, The Monkees, Aretha Franklin). Carole was only 17 years old when she wrote her first No. 1 hit, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” sung by the Shirelles.

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” offers a glimpse into her remarkable career, in a well-polished production at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. The musical, which ran on Broadway for five years, won two Tony Awards in 2014, including one for star Jessie Mueller. And like that show, Riverside has found an extraordinary actress to play the role of the beloved singer-songwriter.

The musical begins with a lone piano under a soft spotlight as Ashlee Waldbauer as Carole launches into “So Far Away,” from the seminal album “Tapestry,” at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The 1971 performance, which marked her headlining debut, bookends the story. Carole then addresses the audiences before taking them back to where it all began — Brooklyn.

With a somewhat-formulaic book by Douglas McGrath, the show charts Carole’s journey from a wide-eyed ponytailed teen to an assured performer, who became one of the greatest female singer-songwriters of all time. She would also meet and fall in love with fellow songwriter (and first husband) Gerry Goffin at college, crank out the hits at the 1650 song factory, and experience repeated heartbreak before stepping out on her own.

Under Jacquez Linder-Long’s fine direction, “Beautiful” is an engaging and moving story about finding your voice while also celebrating Carole’s immeasurable impact on music. (Audiences may remember the director as the tragic hero Coalhouse Walker Jr. from last year’s “Ragtime”). Linder-Long is also behind the show’s exuberant choreography, assisted by Stephanie Wood. Little Eva’s “The Locomotion,” with a winsome Tyandria Jaaber leading the ensemble, is irresistibly fun. Fun fact: Little Eva was the couple’s babysitter.

“Beautiful” is overstuffed with musical numbers, so many that it’s hard to keep track; there’s over 25 songs featured — some more recognizable than others. McGrath pulls many from Carole’s extensive songbook, those she wrote alone or with her husband, as well as popular songs from that era — all handled well by the vocally strong cast.

With conductor Carson Eubank leading the orchestra, some highlights include “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “On Broadway,” “We Gotta Get Out of This Place,” “You Got a Friend” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

“One Fine Day,” sung by Janelle (a fictional character), hits differently after Gerry reveals he’s been having an affair; Carole’s take infuses the lyrics with heartbreaking emotion.

As Carole, Waldbauer delivers a warm and beautifully authentic performance. When the singer pours her heart and soul standing alone or at the piano, her joy or her pain are palpable. Waldbauer’s gorgeous voice suits the singer’s introspective songs well. Playing opposite Carole as her first love is Brian Nabors. The actor, last seen at Riverside as Father in “Ragtime,” brings charm and quiet intensity to his role as Gerry, first as a loving and supportive partner who later becomes volatile and restless in their marriage.

Sarah Mae Andersen and Matt Beary are terrific as another songwriting duo, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, their closest friends and competitors. In one funny scene, Barry remarks “they’re getting hits with their babysitter!” Their relationship provides a lighthearted counter to the more dramatic situation between Carole and Gerry.

“Beautiful” is also striking on the visual front. An early scene captures the hustle and bustle at music publisher Don Kirshner’s hit factory, as multiple groups sing a medley of tunes. Frank Foster’s eye-popping set design is complemented by snazzy ever-changing lighting work by Weston Corey and costumes by Laiah Westlyn, which reflect the times.

“Beautiful” is a highly enjoyable jukebox musical that’s a treat for both Carole King fans and those who have yet to discover this songwriting force. It’s not too late.

If You Go

"Beautiful: The Carole King Musical," Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, 95 Riverside Parkway. Through Nov. 10. $70–$82 dinner and show; $55–$65 show only. 540/370-4300; riversidedt.com