A Musical Masterpiece: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Shines at Spreckels Theatre
Last evening, I had the privilege of attending Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the Spreckels Theatre, and it was nothing short of a masterpiece. Every element of the production was executed with precision and passion, making it a truly memorable experience. The performance was superb, with standout performances that brought Carole King’s incredible journey to life.
Julianne Bretan’s portrayal of Carole King was both tender and powerful, capturing the essence of the iconic singer-songwriter. Her emotional depth and vocal strength made every moment on stage a delight. The chemistry between Bretan and Noah Vondralee-Sternhill, who played Gerry Goffin, was palpable, perfectly illustrating the ups and downs of their complicated relationship. Likewise, Tina Traboulsi as Cynthia Weil and Drew Bolander as Barry Mann brought humor and heart to the show, balancing the emotional weight of the narrative with light, witty exchanges.
Musically, the show shines as it takes the audience through an iconic songbook that defines a generation. Julianne Bretan’s performance of “So Far Away” was deeply moving, while “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” and “You’ve Got a Friend” were standout moments that tugged at the heartstrings. The powerhouse duet of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” performed by Drew Bolander (Barry Mann) and Tina Traboulsi (Cynthia Weil) was electrifying, showcasing the dynamic partnership between their characters.
The musical direction by Lucas Sherman was flawless, as the band did justice to Carole King’s beloved catalog, including timeless hits like “It’s Too Late”, “Up on the Roof”, and the uplifting “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”. Each song, from “Take Good Care of My Baby” to “Pleasant Valley Sunday”, was delivered with passion and authenticity. The choreography by Karen Miles was energetic and fun, adding vibrancy to musical numbers like “The Locomotion”, with Aja Gianola shining in that performance, and “I Feel the Earth Move”, bringing the audience to their feet.
Director Sheri Lee Miller ensured that the pacing was tight, the storytelling engaging, and the characters relatable. The production’s stunning visual appeal was elevated by the set design by Eddy Hansen, which perfectly evoked the different eras of Carole King’s life, transporting the audience from early New York City recording studios to concert stages. Adriana Gutierrez’s costume designs brought the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s to life with colorful and era-appropriate costumes that helped tell the story of King’s rise to stardom.
The supporting cast, including notable performances from Michael Arbitter, Mary Gannon Graham, and Charles D. Wade I, elevated the entire production, contributing to an ensemble that was unified and dynamic. The set and costume designs beautifully complemented the emotional tone of the show, further immersing the audience in the story.
Here’s a list of songs featured in the show:
- “So Far Away” – Julianne Bretan as Carole King
- “1650 Broadway Medley”
- “Safe in My Arms” – Ensemble
- “He’s Sure the Boy I Love” – Ensemble
- “It Might As Well Rain Until September” – Julianne Bretan
- “Some Kind of Wonderful” – Ensemble
- “Happy Days Are Here Again” – Ensemble
- “Take Good Care of My Baby” – Ensemble
- “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” – Julianne Bretan
- “Up on the Roof” – Ensemble
- “On Broadway” – Ensemble
- “The Locomotion” – Aja Gianola as Little Eva
- “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” – Drew Bolander and Tina Traboulsi
- “One Fine Day” – Ensemble
- “Chains” – Ensemble
- “Walking in the Rain” – Ensemble
- “Pleasant Valley Sunday” – Ensemble
- “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” – Ensemble
- “Uptown” – Ensemble
- “It’s Too Late” – Julianne Bretan
- “You’ve Got a Friend” – Julianne Bretan
- “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” – Julianne Bretan
- “Beautiful” – Julianne Bretan
- “I Feel the Earth Move” – Julianne Bretan
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is a triumph in every way, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an uplifting and inspiring evening of theater. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Carole King or discovering her music for the first time, this production will leave you with a newfound appreciation for her extraordinary talent and legacy.
For tickets and more information, visit the Spreckels Performing Arts Center website or contact their box office. This is a show you don’t want to miss!
