‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’ Takes the Legend’s Music to the Pantages Stage

Dyan James

Legendary hitmaker Carole King is celebrated in the Broadway hit “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical,” which brings to life the story of how King rose to fame writing songs with other famous musicians and recording some of the most popular and timeless songs in music history.

The show highlights King’s rough beginnings as a songwriter in Brooklyn, NY, trying to make a name for herself in show business. In the ‘60s, she met and married Gerry Goffin with whom she wrote numerous hits for other singers – hits that became wildly celebrated. It wasn’t until the ‘70s, after hobnobbing with other up and comers like Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, that King herself became a household name. She began playing piano and putting her own voice to the songs she wrote, particularly on the chart-topping album “Tapestry,” which exploded onto the music scene with tremendous success winning a multitude of GRAMMYs and blessing fans with consummate hits like “It’s Too Late” and “I Feel the Earth Move.” Meanwhile, she continued her storied career writing songs with musicians like Taylor, a collaboration from which “You’ve Got a Friend” was born.

But as with many legendary musicians, King’s life and success was not without its trials and tribulations and the musical tells the story of her roller coaster life. Whether a fan of Carole King or just interested in the music business, the actors and the story itself puts it all in perspective in what can be described as beautiful and magical – a well-told story with spot-on, talented actors beautifully portraying the famous musicians.

“‘Beautiful’ is a joyous celebration,” said Entertainment Weekly. And Huffington Post insisted, “Take my word, the earth under the theater moves, it moves!”

“Beautiful – The Carole King Musical” will take the stage at Pantages Theatre June 22 – July 17. Get tickets here.