Take some words, add some music and have Carol King meld it all into something “Beautiful.” That’s what happened with the songs Carol King (a superb Jessie Mueller) created in her ingenious – sometimes – jarring life. “Beautiful” begins with songs by Carol, her husband Gerry Goffin (a moving Jake Epstein) and friends, and competitors Barry Mann (a loveable Jarrod Spector) and Cynthia Weil (outstanding Anika Larsen). It continues to the time when Carol leaves a bad marriage and reluctantly composes, writes lyrics, sings solo and records one of the most successful albums of all times – “Tapestry” – and finds her dream come true performing at Carnage Hall.
Starting in the early ’60s as a strong-willed, brilliant 16-year-old, she convinces tough agents in the songwriting field of Broadway to listen and appreciate her music. She churned out pop, rock and blues hits with her lyricist husband Goffin for groups like the Sherelles, Drifters and the Righteous Brothers, with “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” Splish Splash,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Yakety-Yak,” “Love Potion No. 9” and “Some Kind Of Wonderful” just to name a few.
King went on to become a successful singer/lyricist/composer on her own with “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “It’s Too Late,” ”Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” “You’ve Got A Friend,” “Up On The Roof” and “I Feel The Earth Move.” To this day she is considered an icon by the recording industry.
Director Marc Bruni keeps his first-rate actors within their areas while still working the production with book writer Douglas McGrath for Broadway. The music and Mueller cover any small bumps in the performances.
Scenic designer Derek McLane keeps things moving with his innovative, mobile set that smoothly changes before your eyes. A grand piano effortlessly slides off center stage to be replaced with two-story offices and living rooms as needed.
“Beautiful” is exactly that with Jessie Mueller delivering King’s music; it’s as close as you can get to the real thing. Go, listen and be mesmerized.
“Beautiful” is set to start previewing on Broadway Nov. 21 wiith opening night Jan. 14, 2014 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York.
Camille Bounds is the Theatre and Arts editor for Sunrise Publications.
Where: Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St., San Francisco
Through: Oct. 20
Running Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes – one intermission
Tickets: $50-$210
For reservations and information: 888-746-1799 or visit www.shnsf.com.
