Review: BEAUTIFUL - THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL A Sight (and Sound) to Behold

The Chicago engagement of the first national tour of BEAUTIFUL--THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL rightfully earns the show's title. This entertaining and emotional production delivers tons of heart and talent at the Oriental Theatre. This engagement also signals the homecoming for lead Abby Mueller in the role of Carole King. Mueller grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and she has big shoes to fill in this role--her younger sister, Jessie, won the 2014 Tony Award for originating the same role on Broadway. There's no cause for concern, though, as Mueller, and the rest of the touring production's cast, deliver big-time. As King, Mueller provides the emotional and musical center of this production--and it is sheer pleasure to listen to her dive into some of the singer-songwriter's greatest hits.

With a well-constructed book by Douglas McGrath and direction by Marc Bruni, BEAUTIFUL follows King (born Carol Klein) from her days as an ingénue eagerly pitching music to a studio at the age of 16 through her rise as a solo artist--and her Carnegie hall concert debut -- at the age of just 29. BEAUTFUL is one of the stronger musicals I've seen in the jukebox musical genre, as McGrath weaves an often-surprising narrative while skillfully incorporating hit after hit. It certainly helps that the show's numbers are mostly diegetic, meaning that the performers are conscious of their singing. But considering that this show is about the career arch of a singer-songwriter, that works just fine. McGrath's book also shows us the considerable obstacles that King faced, and her strength throughout the curveballs thrown her way--particularly in regards to her tumultuous relationship with her former husband and collaborator, Gerry Goffin.

The production values for this touring musical are certainly on par with Broadway standards. Derek McLane's lavish set design appears much the same as it does in New York City--capturing all the glitz and glam of a recording studio. Alejo Vietti's costume designs elegantly capture the styles of the era in which King began her career. Charles G. LaPointe's wigs are lovely and detailed--it is especially fun to watch the evolution of King's hairstyles. Peter Kaczorowski's lighting designs also add an element of glamour to life in the recording studio.

But the real reasons to see this superb touring production are the performances, and of course, Mueller's take on King in particular. As an actress, Mueller gives a "some kind of wonderful" performance--and we watch her self-confidence and maturity develop before our eyes as she captures King throughout 15 years of her life. Mueller's posture and mannerisms change as King matures and gains a stronger sense of self. As a vocalist, Mueller not only gives a technically stunning treatment to each of her songs but also infuses each with raw, honest emotion. Particularly at the end of the second act as she performs songs off King's famous first solo album TAPESTRY, Mueller makes us feel both the pain and love that go into recording those numbers. She dives into each and every song with care and yet, at the same time, her vocals seem effortless.

Mueller finds great onstage support with Liam Tobin in the role of Gerry Goffin. Tobin gives Goffin a sense of sly charisma in his youth--and throughout--that's fun to watch. And he can hold his own with Mueller when the two sing their many duets. As King's close friends and fellow songwriting team Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, Becky Gulsvig and Ben Fankhauser hit all the right notes. Gulsvig exudes energy and confidence in her performance, and her vocals are exquisite. Fankhauser also delivers on the vocals and captures both the affability and neurotic nature that his character demands. As two of King's biggest supporters, Curt Bouril as studio manager Don Kirshner and Suzanne Grodner as Genie Klein deliver fine and touching performances. The rest of the ensemble supplies high energy and skillfully play out Josh Prince's choreography.

See BEAUTIFUL before "It's Too Late"--this touring production, and Mueller's magnetic performance, are not to be missed.

BEAUTIFUL--THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL plays at the Oriental Theatre, 24 West Randolph, through February 21, 2016. Tickets are $30-$140 and can be purchased online at BroadwayinChicago.com, by phone at 800-775-2000, or at any Broadway in Chicago box office (24 West Randolph, 151 West Randolph, 18 West Monroe, and 175 East Chestnut.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

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