Review of Beautiful, The Carole King Musical, at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres - Play Off The Page (2024)

Posted by Mary Aalgaard | Mar 15, 2024 | 2024, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, musical theater, Play off the Page, Women's Stories | 0 |

Quote of the Day:You can tell a whole story in three minutes.from Beautiful, The Carole King Musical on stage at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres through September 28, 2024. Book by Douglas McGrath. Words and Music by Gerry Goffin and Carole King & Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.

I absolutely adore Carole King, her music, her solo work, her extensive list of hit songs, and her generous spirit. I was so excited to see that the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres were doing her story. Believe me, you will know many, if not all, of her songs. She wrote most of her early music with then husband Gerry Goffin, and sometimes their friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. Top recording stars of the times, mostly 1960’s and 1970’s, performed their songs: Bobby Vee, The Shirelles, The Drifters, Aretha Franklin, James Taylor, just to name a few. Her music is the soundtrack to my life.

Monet Sabel comes to the Chanhassen from a National Tour of Beautiful, where she was the standby for Carole King, and the regional production in Rhode Island where she played the title role. She takes on the role of this iconic musical legend with grace and style. I loved watching her become Carole King. Her musical talents and stage presence fit the part wonderfully. Carole was only 16 years old when she first approached a recording studio and shared her songs. She quickly became a head writer, married Gerry Goffin (played by Shad Hanley), had a couple daughters, and created a beautiful life. But, it wasn’t without pitfalls. Gerry had his own demons to deal with, as well as a wandering spirit, which caused problems in their marriage.

They were good friends with another couple, Cynthia Weil (Shinah Hey) and Barry Mann (Alan Bach). From their portrayal in the musical, it was mostly a friendly competition between the couples to write hit songs. They spent countless hours writing music together, and they spent many years as friends, celebrating the joys and sorrows of life.

Kim Kivens plays Carole’s mother Genie Klein, who wasn’t very supportive at first. I mean, her daughter had aspirations of being a songwriter. How do you make money doing that? Also, Carole was very young when she got pregnant and married Gerry. But, I think that Genie was always a huge part of Carole’s life and in the end, was very proud of her daughter and all her successes.

Michael Gruber plays Don Kirshner, American music producer, who had an ear for talent and hit songs. He is always so smooth on stage. This part seemed to fit Michael so well. He could be pushy, but also compassionate. He might have tried to pit the song writing couples against each other, but they saw through his manipulations. He certainly got many hits out of the songwriters and talent.

Beautiful has a fairly large ensemble cast with many members taking on a few iconic roles, as well. Katemarie Andrews plays the darling Little Eva, who was the babysitter for Carole and Gerry. Once their hit song, Locomotion took off, they needed a new babysitter! Daysha Ramsey plays Janelle Woods. John Jamison II played the lead singer of the Drifters, and he was wonderful. The audience went wild for his vocals and the Drifters’ performance. Quinn Lorez played the lead singer of the Shirelle’s and blew us away with their vocals. Tony Vierling is on stage again with his fantastic dancing, and also plays Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers where he sings a duet with Adam Moen who played Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers. That was a darling part of the show. The entire ensemble is so talented with vocals, excellent choreography (Tamara Kangas Erickson), and staging.

Father-Daughter team of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ Artistic Director Michael Brindisi and Cat Brindisi co-direct this wonderful production. They did an amazing job of bringing Carole King’s story to life on their iconic stage. The Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is an outstanding dinner theater in the country. Bright and bold costumes representing the 1960’s and 1970’s designed by Barbara Portinga. Scenic Design by Nayna Ramey. They really make good use of the stage, moving parts, and lighting for this show. Lighting Design by Sue Ellen Berger. Fantastic music direction by Andy Kust, with a live orchestra on stage, up and behind the main action. You can see their silhouettes sometimes during the show. I have to mention hair, make-up and wigs in this production (by Lex Patton and Tracy Swenson) with all the big hair represented well during this show! Although, the wig for Little Eva was rather overpowering. Carole’s hair was great.

You can see this marvelous production of Beautiful, The Carole King Musical, at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres through September 28, 2024. I hope to go and see it again with friends or family. It is my favorite musical about an iconic musician! I am so inspired by Carole King, her work and her life.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:Who are some of your favorite artists? Musicians, art, actors, or otherwise?