'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical' review: Fans will love
8 / 10
With Marc Bruni's crisp direction and Josh Prince's precision choreography, the hits segue seamlessly on Derek McLane's industrial grid set -- from drab office to glittery concert stage -- with the efficiency of a snappy line (libretto by Douglas McGrath) as we encounter live replicas of The Drifters, Shirelles, Righteous Brothers and Little Eva...Jessie Mueller strikes a delicate balance between spunk and humility, making it impossible not to root for her as she morphs into an inspired Carole King. Jake Epstein reflects Gerry's conflicted soul while Anika Larsen and Jarrod Spector offer comic contrast to their songwriting rivals' discord. As Kirshner, Jeb Brown is a softy for anyone who writes a hit, while Liz Larsen struggles to rise above the mother-of-the-star cliches she's assigned.If there's one song among a dozen to hum on the way out of 'Beautiful,' it should be 'Will You (Still) Love Me Tomorrow,' exemplifying both the professional and personal side of this Gershwin Prize-winning genius.

