Review: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at Red Mountain Theatre
In the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, the Red Mountain Theatre is playing host to a profound musical journey through the life and career of singer-songwriter Carole King. The lauded production, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, has arrived under the direction of Valerie Accetta and the choreography of Eric Jackson, capturing the essence of this iconic artist with a level of authenticity that has left audiences enchanted.
Tour de force performances
Stepping into the colossal shoes of Carole King is no small task, but actress Allison McCartan delivers a tour de force performance, skillfully embodying the talent and spirit that made King a legend. McCartan brings an aptitude and understanding that lends itself well, not only to the demanding vocal performances, but also in capturing the emotional depth of King’s journey.
Blake West shines as Gerry Goffin, King’s husband and disillusioned business partner, while Meggie Cansler & Madison Adams Hagler sizzle on stage portraying the dynamic duo of Cynthia Weil and Berry Man. The ensemble is rounded out by Saxon Murrell, whose portrayal of Don Kirshner is an undoubted scene-stealer.
A musical journey
The production is more than just a biographical account of Carole King’s life. It is, first and foremost, a tribute to her music. Fans will be thrilled to hear classics like “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “One Fine Day,” as well as other standout numbers like “On Broadway” and “The Locomotion” that add further vibrancy to the musical.
Immersive set design
The set design is integral to the production, seamlessly guiding the audience through the various settings of King’s life, from her humble beginnings in Brooklyn to the grandeur of concert venues and recording studios. Simple yet evocative, it provides a poignant backdrop to King’s journey, instilling a sense of time and place that immerses the audience in the story.
A must-see for King fans
Whether you’re a lifelong Carole King fan or simply in search of a riveting night of entertainment, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Red Mountain Theatre should not be missed. Combining a high caliber cast, excellent set design, and King’s unforgettable music, it crafts a spellbinding experience that leaves audiences humming long after the curtains close.
Credit: Red Mountain Theatre/Stewart Edmonds
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
