Helmed by Curve's artistic director Nikolai Foster the production is a complete re-invention of the show with new staging, new orchestrations and a fantastic new company.
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| The cast of Beautiful - The Carole King Musical. Photo by Ellie Kurttz |
The musical follows Carole through her career from 16-year-old aspiring songwriter to megastar through her own heartbreaks and triumphs that inspired her music. The music is the central element, and the action takes place around the songs. Arguably the plot is a little thin but it's the music that keeps everything held together.
One thing you take away from the show is just many amazing songs King, her first husband Gerry Goffin and close friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann created. It's hit after hit after hit. The talented actor-musician company brings the music to life and makes it sound as fresh as the day it was first heard. Sarah Travis has done a fine job of re-orchestrating the music.
Frankie Bradshaw's set is a little clunky in places and lacks a bit of sparkle compared to the previous version of the show that I saw back in 2020 just before lockdown. It still does more than enough in visually looking right for the time period. Where the set might have left me a bit lacking it's Ben Cracknell's astonishing lighting that wows. Cracknell has an impressive nack of nailing spectacle and lighting all emotions which leaves you astonished with every number.
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| Molly-Grace Cutler (Carole King) - Photo by Ellie Kurttz. |
Molly-Grace Cutler takes on the leading role of Carole King and she is phenomenal. Her voice is perfect for the role, right from the opening note I was sold by her vocal range. She carries the mantle of King's journey with outstanding skill - from the heartache to the stardom and everything in between.
Tom Milner is effective in making Gerry Goffin likeable initially before he spirals into mental breakdown and affairs behind King's back. Seren Sandham-Davies and Jos Slovick impress as Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, their warm personalities shine as their relationship blossoms throughout.
There's no denying how much of a spectacle this production is. It's big and bold and a great new take on the musical. Foster and his team have once again created another Made at Curve hit that will wow audiences up and down the country on its UK tour. Make today 'One Fine Day' and grab your tickets for a Beautiful night out.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical continues at Curve until Saturday 12th March. Tickets are available from www.curveonline.co.uk
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| The cast of Beautiful - The Carole King Musical - Photo by Ellie Kurttz |
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