Review: BEAUTIFUL: A CAROLE KING MUSICAL SUCCEEDS WITH A STRONG CAST

If I ever met Carole King I would probably become misty-eyed and go in for an inappropriate, no-boundaries hug. My hands would shake as I asked her for her autograph. I might stutter a little bit. My eye would twitch. I would forget my name.

I'm a huge fan of Carole King.

I was still in utero when the beloved album Tapestry came out, but I grew up, like many people, listening to her songs being played everywhere. I love her husky, earthy voice that carries emotion so honestly. When I started watching the TV show Gilmore Girls, I was thrilled to hear her voice belting out the title song, "If You Lead". I've read her memoir, "A Natural Woman". I love the episode when she appeared on The Tracey Ullman Show. I love her huge hair and bumpy nose. Her voice makes you feel like calling your grandma, or reuniting with your ex, or taking a long walk in the woods.

I love Carole King.

So walking into the Hobby Center on Tuesday night I felt a little nervous about seeing BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL. Would the lead live up to the prolific songwriter? Would she do her justice?

Thankfully, Abby Mueller fits the bill. She is warm, unassuming, and natural as Carole, and it's a relief that this isn't a cheap impression or mimicry of the legendary singer. (Interestingly, it was Abby's sister, Jessie Mueller who originated the role on Broadway, earning a Tony award for her performance.) Mueller somehow accesses King in a way that honors the singer, but doesn't turn her into a caricature. Mueller has a great, soulful voice that has suggestions of Carole's sound in it- that's the way it should be. One of the highlights of the show is (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. King is newly free of her philandering husband, and you can feel the heartache right along with thrill of emancipation. This is one of Mueller's strengths; she can dredge emotion from an audience by singing just one line. It's a gift of Carole King's, too.

While Carole King is humble, relatable, and warm, BEAUTIFUL is a little slick, quick-paced, and presentational. It's an interesting marriage- the Broadway musical and Carole King's musical essence. BEAUTIFUL feels like an intimate concert at times, then twists into a 50's and 60's musical retrospective every so often, but it's also a bright, colorful musical that dips its toe in corniness a few times. While the book by Douglas McGrath feels formulaic (think Motown the musical, and Jersey Boys) the performances, directed by Marc Bruni, are so endearing and the music is so great you feel like you can overlook it.

Music from the 50's and 60's is so charming with its simple melodies and lyrics and it's a joy to watch this talented cast recreate performances by The Shirelles, The Righteous Brothers, and the Drifters, to name a few. John Michael Dias is so adorable as Neil Sedaka, I had to giggle every time he popped onstage to sing "Oh, Carol".

The supporting cast could not be better, with deadpan Becky Gulsvig as lyricist Cynthia Weil, and Ben Fankhauser as song writer (and hypochondriac) Barry Mann. Gulsvig and Fankhauser have fun stage chemistry and both actors liven up the story with comedic quips, arguably the best lines in the show. Liam Tobin has a huge voice and was clearly in his element opening night. His portrayal of Carole's self-absorbed husband, Barry, is multilayered and interesting. You want to slap him one second and medicate him the next.

While BEAUTIFUL isn't perfect- it feels uneven at times and maybe a little melodramatic in spots- it is a good time. The 2 hour and 30 minute show flies by and then we're treated to a spirited performance by Abby Mueller at curtain call, belting out a soulful, "I Feel The Earth Move".

I think Carole would be happy.

BEAUTIFUL: A CAROL KING MUSICAL will play at The Hobby Center from May 31- June 5.

For Tickets:http://www.thehobbycenter.org

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

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