By Jason and Alisha Hagey
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Pioneer Theatre Company takes the hits to a new level in the crowded field of jukebox musicals. It throbs with the spirit of artistic effort and the subdued joy of creative success. It is more than just a sentimental sing-along. The musical isn’t just Carole King’s story. Beautiful is a testament to friendship, talent, and the music that shapes us.
You might not know her name, but you know Carole King’s music. Her songs don’t just play; they are an old friend. They embed themselves in memory, fusing with the every day until you’re humming along without ever recalling when you first learned the tune: “The Loco-Motion,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend,” and “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” to name a few from her extensive catalog of songs with 118 hits.
Just give me a minute to gush, please. Karen Azenberg (Director) is simply incredible. How can a single individual possess such boundless talent? This production reaches a degree of craftsmanship unusual in jukebox musicals thanks to Azenberg’s meticulous attention to detail. She intentionally develops each moment rather than just directing. Whether it’s a smooth transition, a swift but decisive action, or the expertly performed dance that unifies everything, under Azenberg’s expert leadership, the production becomes a rich experience that pulls on ardent energy and vibrant emotion. Thus, Beautiful transcends its genre and its sympathetic homage to well-known songs.
Sara Shepherd (Carole King) doesn’t just play Carole King – she becomes her. Her presence is easy, profoundly affecting, and feels less like a performance and more like magic. Shepherd’s voice is clear and fills with just the right amount of raw emotion. She doesn’t only revisit King’s music – she reinvents it while paying it the most significant tribute. She channels the story and lets King’s journey unfold with authenticity. Shepherd’s accomplishment is stunning. Hers is an unusual, aching tribute to an unbelievably influential artist.
Anthony Sagaria (Gerry Goffin), Lee Alexandra Harrington (Cynthia Weil), and Stephen Christopher Anthony (Barry Mann) don’t just orbit Carole King’s world – they ignite it, forming a core of warmth, humor, and crackling chemistry that makes the stage feel alive. Alongside Sara Shepherd, they create an effortless yet deeply felt dynamic built on creative rivalry, camaraderie, and friendship’s messy, beautiful tangle. Their scenes don’t just entertain – they pulse with energy, making every interaction electric.
Sagaria’s Gerry Goffin is exceptional. Rather than the easy villain – the troubled genius who wrecks what he can’t hold – Sagaria digs deeper, finding the vulnerability beneath the ambition, the heartbreak within the turmoil. His flaws are undeniable, but so is his humanity, making his moments of tenderness all the more gut-punching.
The humor and intense love that characterized Weil and Mann’s courtship are Harrington and Anthony. They are captivating. When they work together, they do more than just steal moments; they magnify them and bring a lively blend of humor, emotion, and unmistakable rapport to the production.
Mary Fanning Driggs (Genie Klein) is heartfelt. As Carole King’s mother, Driggs brings a blend of wry humor, maternal wisdom, and unwavering resilience. She delivers dry, knowing one-liners with a sharp wit that never overshadows the warmth beneath. With uncomplicated authority and a twinkle of mischief, Jason Andrew Hackney (Don Kirschner) is a commanding presence as the legendary music producer who mentors and motivators Carole and the other songwriters.
Travis Keith Battle, Tyrick Wiltez Jones, Elexis Morton, Chris Richie, Nathan Andrew Riley, Grace Ellis Solomon, Tyler Symone, Makenna Asby, Ashlen Boresow, Jordan Briggs, Nate Ginsberg, Hannah Camille Hall, Olivia Hellin, Kianna Kelly-Futch, and Cory Simmons (Ensemble) all give outstanding performances in Beautiful, which is a mighty achievement of ensemble work. Productions rarely give ensembles much attention. Within Beautiful’s narrative, the show enables this gifted group to shine across various eras and genres. Their explosive energy and flawless harmonies enhance the show, demonstrating how great teamwork can carry a production to new heights.
Gerry McIntyre (Choreographer) masterfully tells a rich story of history through movement. The choreography feels nostalgic and refreshingly modern, striking the perfect balance between homage and innovation. Each move amplifies the story and injects an exciting energy into every moment, whether in a featured dance number or a scene transition.
Kate Casalino (Hair and Makeup Designer) deserves a standing ovation in her own right. Her skill is impressive, and the sheer number of wigs required to tell her story is incredible, especially considering the quick changes needed throughout the performance. Kara Harmon (Costume Designer) authentically conveys the essence of each era. The costumes vividly bring the characters to life with their exquisite blend of color and detail. I admire the army of backstage wardrobes.
Bringing the world together with seamless fluidity requires superior scenic and lighting design. Jason Simms’ (Scenic Designer) set design is deceptively simple: two mirror-imaged flights of stairs that flip to create walls. Then there are the pianos, the microphones, the chairs, the tables, the sofas, the television cameras, etc. The sheer volume of scenes compounds into a nightmare ensemble of variations. Yet, Simms makes it all look easy. Accompanying the sets are the massive amounts of lighting compositions required to help produce every scene. Dawn Chiang (Lighting Designer) tackles a mountain of light cues and moments punctuated by emotional moments with smooth prowess. Chiang’s work is spot-on and impactful.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Pioneer Theatre Company is more than a show. It is a glittering ode to the heartache and tenacity that goes into the successes. There is an almost religious veneration for King’s legacy in every aspect, from the heartfelt performances to the careful direction. Beautiful is a reminder as to why Carole King’s music endures. To put it simply, Beautiful is just that – beautiful.
Pioneer Theatre Company presents Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Book by Douglas McGrath
Words and Music by Gerry Goffin & Carole King, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil
Music by Arrangement With Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Orchestrations, Vocal and Incidental Arrangements by Steve Sidwell
Additional Music Arrangements by Jason Howland
PTC’s Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre
300 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City
February 14-March 1, 2025
Monday – Thursday, 7:00 PM
Friday and Saturday, 7:30 PM
Saturday, 2:00 PM
$57 – $83 in advance; $5 more when purchased on day of show
Students K – 12 or ages 5-18 are half-price Monday – Thursday
Box Office: 801-581-6961
Open 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday – Friday
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
PTC Instagram
PTC Facebook
0 Comments