For anyone who loves the nostalgia of 'jukebox' musicals like "Motown: The Musical," I cannot highly recommend enough seeing "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical." Young or old, this music is the soundtrack to many a generation. What's wonderful is that it is not just of King's [[and Goffin's) music, but of the music of their fellow friends and competitors, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. From the early '60's through King's smash album, Tapestry, King's voice, talents, and warm, genuine personality is masterfully articulated by Chilina Kennedy [[originally portrayed by Jessie Mueller, who quite literally became Carole in every sense of the word).

Probably the most solid thing about this production is that it is not a typical 'jukebox' musical, in which classic songs are loosely strung together by a feeble plot line. The show's writer, Douglas McGrath, perfectly aligns Carole's life story alongside the musical, creating both a wonderful piece of entertainment and a strong piece of work with historical accuracy [[although some names and dates have been altered). Much like King's life, there are plenty of up's and down's, with a healthy balance of comedy and drama.

Reportedly, Carole King herself has said the show was so good that she could not watch the whole thing [[the show delves into her tumultuous on-and-off again relationship with Gerry Goffin). Personally, I have never been moved to tears by a show before - and I have seen quite a number of Broadway shows - until this one.

Musical numbers include "It Might as Well Rain Until September," "Take Good Care of My Baby," "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," "One Fine Day," "He's Sure the Boy I Love," "Walking in the Rain," "It's Too Late," "So Far Away," "Beautiful," and more.

Here's a clip of Chilina Kennedy and cast performing King's "Natural Woman."



Go see this show if you have the chance. If not, at least get the soundtrack. It's one of the best cast albums and tributes to the 'beautiful' music of King, Goffin, Weil, and Mann I have ever heard.