Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
01/29/2014
well, ending with an audience sing-a-long at the finale a common phenomenon when the
audience already knows the music and just want to be a part of the show.
And isnt that great!
True, she is burdened with the dramatic arc of transforming from a cocky teenage
bride/composing partner to a single mother in a male dominated field, faced with the
serendipitous necessity of writing and performing her own songs, a personal and career
choice she never wanted. Indeed, the show opens and closes with her successful Carnegie
Hall concert after recording Tapestry, the era-defining, best-selling Grammy winning album.
But where is that spectacular, signature blond/gray mane of cascading locks with which we
can always identify our diva? Fair of face, pleasant of voice not enough to carry a show. Was
there a conspiracy between costume designer Alejo Vietti, make-up designer Joe Dulude II
and wig designer Charles G. LaPointe to deprive her of that glamour? Even at the finale?
Derek McLanes minimalist sets, and Josh Princes minimalist choreography, appropriate to a
jukebox format, maintain that blandness. What brightness there is can be attributed to the
orchestrations and music arrangements of Steve Sidwell under Jason Howlands capable
baton and Peter Kaczorowskis light design.
The supporting cast: Jake Epstein as Gerry, Anika Larsen and Jarrod Spector as the other
songwriting team Weil and Mann, Jeb Brown as Kirschner and Liz Larsen as Kings mother all
do a fine job.
One of the lead producers on this show is Carole Kings daughter, and reports have said that
King, having seen an early workshop of the show, refuses to see the final version of the
musical because the breakup of her marriage was too painful. There is more drama in that
statement than onstage.
However, the ubiquitous Ms. King, televised of late at the White House concert/tribute in her
honor and her many recent high profile appearances elsewhere, will keep the crowds
coming, as well they should.
Beautiful - The Carole King Musical (open run)
Stephen Sondheim Theatre, 124 West 43rd Street, in Manhattan
For tickets, call 212-239-6200 or visit http://www.telecharge.com
Running time: two hours and 25 minutes with an intermission