‘Cause You Make me Feel Like a Natural Women…’ Beautiful the Carole King Musical, Orchard Theatre, Dartford. 05.06.2018
Having missed it on the West End, I was so excited to finally catch Beautiful during is current UK tour at Orchard theatre, Dartford.
Based on the life of singer and song writer Carole king, Beautiful is a jukebox musical done right! Following Carole’s story from the moment she sells her first song to her amazing concert in Carnegie Hall. We learn her struggles with her partner and husband Gerry Gordon, along with her friendship with fellow songwriters Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann at impresario Donne Kirshner song-riting business. An excellent story with heart and humour, along with such excellent tunes ‘Will you Love Me Tomorrow,’ ‘Take Good Care of my Baby,’ ‘The Loco-Motion,’ ‘It’s Too Late,’ and ‘(You Make me Feel) a Natural Women’ those who love the Carole king music and thoroughly enjoy and those who don’t can fall love!
What I loved about this show was each member of the cast had their moment, especially during the 1650 Broadway Medley each showing their talent and allowing to audience to reminisce on some classic songs of the 50s, 60s and 70s. It was great to see a great cast With such brilliant staging also the story flowed well, that drew you in with every scene learning the life of Carole King.
The cast tonight was as follows:
Carole King – Bronte Barbe
Gerry Goffin – Kane Oliver Parry
Cynthia Weil – Amy Ellen Richardson
Barry Mann – Matthew Gonsalves
Gene Klen – Carole Royly
Donnie Kirshner – Adam Howden
Righteous Brothers – Grant McConvey, Ben Morris
Drifters – Khalid Daley, Simeon Montague, Matthew Elliot-Campbell, Matt Mills
Betty- Leigh Lothian
Marilyn – Emma Lucia
Shirelle-Shirley – Merryl Ansah
Little Eva/Shirelle – Esme Laudat
Janelle/Shirelle – Jessica Joslin
Shirelle/Uptown Singer/Lucille – Paige Miller
Swing – Lauren Bryne, Jacob Mcintosh, David O’Mahony, Sarah Webb
It is without doubt that Bronte Barbe steals the show as Carole, her voice is stunning and suits every song she sung. Immediately loved by the audience she greatly deserved the standing ovation at the end. Without hardly leaving the stage, she took it with ease and I could have watched her again and again. Her writing Partner Gerry Goffin was played by Kane Oliver Parry, their relationship was true to its word and you felt the pain when it sadly broke down – more on Carole’s side however. Kane fitted Gerry’s persona greatly along with hitting every note with a strong voice.
Finishing up the principal cast was Amy Ellen Richardon and Matthey Gonsalves as Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, the audience watch a relationship form and a perfect one at that professionally and in love. Their chemistry was a pure delight to watch and i loved watching their love grow on stage. Along with this was their friendship with Carole and how they stood by her side throughout her career as true friends which was greatly summarized within their Quartet (along with Donnie Kirshner played by Adam Howden) You’ve Got a Friend.
If you are looking for an amazing night of entertainment and a juke box musical done right this is the musical for you! You are guaranteed to feel good after seeing this show, coming away falling in love with the music all over again. You will be quickly purchasing the soundtrack – I know i did.
I am so glad i finally caught this musical, now understanding why so many loved it. Playing at the Orchard Theatre until Saturday 9th June, for ticket information go here. It will then continue on its final leg of its UK tour, for all dates go to their Website here.
