[yasr_overall_rating]
Marc Bruni directed the Carole King musical in such a fabulously vocal way that the audience never skipped a beat in traveling through the climb to fame that was hard won and typically problematic for Carole and her family. Music Lovers who may not have been familiar with her story, were given a sense of her true identity through the songs that told her life story, for better or worse. While audience members were thoroughly entertained with King favorites, they were also privy to the musical groups such as The Shirelles, The Drifters and The Righteous brothers who took her songs to heights that were greater than she ever imagined. From a sixteen year-old girl who begged her mother to believe in her, she came full circle as an adult in learning life’s lessons through a mirrored reflection of her own father’s shortcomings.
Actors Abby Mueller (Carole King), Liam Tobin (Gerry Goffin), Becky Gulsvig (Cynthia Weil) and Ben Fankhauser (Barry Mann), were superb as the main couple and their best friends who were brought together and torn apart through their love of music. The entire ensemble played off of each other’s strengths and weaknesses to form two dynamic duos that challenged either other by always trying to gain the number one status on the charts and within their personal relationships. In addition, each of the supporting actors were strong characters whose well-trained voices added uncompromising value to the richness of the story. The musical storyline was portrayed in a realistic setting from the talent agent to the production manager, to the realities of trying to achieve goals in an environment that was fast-paced, cutthroat and unforgiving.
This musical is a must-see for anyone who can appreciate a meteoric rise to fame that took the challenges of life in stride. Carole King was a remarkable soldier who believed in the power of love and commitment, as well as staying true to her goals in life. The costumes, choreography and record company setting was well planned, professionally executed and will make a memorable impact on The AT&T Performing Arts Center’s commitment to excellence in providing worthwhile, meaningful and quality entertainment for lovers of the arts!
Playing at the Winspear Opera House June 7 – 19
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M9UL1xO3I0
3.4k
20k
1.5k
1.3k