Beautiful-The Carole King Musical

Report

Author: Liz Hume-Dawson

Walmsley Church AODS were quick to acquire the rights to 'Beautiful' telling the story of one of the most successful female songwriters Carole King - having songs in the charts spanning many years and writing for the likes of The Drifters, Janelle, Shirelles, The Monkeys, Bobby Vee and Aretha Franklin to mention a few - the list goes on. Her own album Tapestry was very successful receiving album of the year and she was the first solo female artist to win a Grammy for Record of the Year. I must say there were some surprises to me of some of the songs she had written. The book was by Douglas McGrath who comes with his own long list of awards.

The biopic of Carole Kings life is told episodically, so the staging needed to be functional and quick to changes to keep the audience engaged. The simple set on two levels with projection on the back wall of some of the artists whose songs were being sung at the time in the scen. The back wall with musical notes on was framed by strip lights complete with sliding door. The cast and crew then manoeuvred the furniture changing scenes including a settee, bed, piano, baby grand, desk with chair and table with chair. All done slickly. Stage Manager John West, Crew - Anne Cocking, Nora Howcroft, Dave McGreavy, Gill Pollitt, Linda West and Janet Witt. Properties David and Janet Witt. Lighting and Sound all added to the effects with Sound being unobtrusive as it should be. Sound Lea Royse and Elodie Perrier and Lighting Nathan Emmison.

Costume and wigs worked well and the chorus in the white and black musical note dresses and shirts looked the part. Carole’s wardrobe looked good with her dressing age appropriate as we watched her grow and mature. Wardrobe by Eileen Reeves.

Not a big dance show, Lara Syddall used her magic and brought out the best in the numbers with appropriate choreography. Musical Director Cath Hilton must have had fun with this show and also worked really hard with Catherine Hall to produce the amazing sound that filled the hall. So many great numbers. A lot of foot tapping was going on in the audience.

Nora Howcroft directs and you can see she has had a blast. Its not easy with not having the men but that did not deflect from the sound that came out. She took on the challenge and ran with it.

The ensemble worked well together supporting the story. The cast were Michael Chesterfield playing Neil Sedaka. David Witt as Lou Adler. Kathryn Nuttall as Lucille. Playing Carole’s mum was Jo Whitaker as Genie Klein. Zoe Pollitt as Marilyn Wald and childhood friend to Carole was Betty played by Molly Hadfield.

Olivia O’Connell as Janelle Woods and one of the Shirelles was in fine voice as was Eileen Reeves as Little Eva and also one of the Shirelles, the third Shirrelle was Julie Ogden. All giving great energy.

Alan Moss played the boss and star maker Donny Kirschner billed as the man with the golden ear. Harsh but fair and a soft spot for Carole which was well played out in the scenes. Vicki Wilson played the other female songwriter Cythnia Weil who only just died in 2023. Together with her husband Barry Mann played by Joe Connor who had so many ailments we couldn’t keep up with them all, Vicki and Joe worked really well together and brought the light relief with their repartee and throw away lines. They looked really comfortable together on stage. And not to forget how much success they had in the music industry as a couple together. Great work.

Joshua Clayton-Heal as Gerry Goffin a troubled character trapped in his own torment who treats Carole badly.  His simmering anger was evident and his final breakdown well played.

What can I say Catherine Hall as Carole King was genius casting. She had me from the moment the show started. It was a truly well-rounded mesmerising performance and one I will remember for a long time. Every little detail thought of and working well with the rest of the cast. Her difficult relationship with her mother and husband and her friendship with Cynthia and Barry she didn’t act Carole King, she was Carole King. Beautiful

Thank you from my guest and I for the invite and hospitality. WCAODS must surely be thrilled with this show.

 

Liz Hume-Dawson

District 5