It’s hard to imagine a more fitting title for Beautiful (the jukebox musical about the life and music of Carol King) because this production is just that—beautiful. From the opening note to the final curtain call, Pioneer Theatre Company’s production delivers a flashy flashback full of timeless hits, a heartfelt journey, and some of the most well-executed technical elements we’ve seen all season.
The story follows Carole King (played by the incredibly talented Sara Sheperd) as she transforms from an ambitious Brooklyn teenager with big songwriting dreams to a legend topping the charts. Alongside her husband and writing partner, Gerry Goffin (Anthony Sagaria), and their friendly songwriting rivals, Cynthia Weil (Lee Alexandra Harrington) and Barry Mann (Stephen Christopher Anthony), Carole crafts some of the most recognizable hits of the 1960s. But as her professional career soars, her personal life starts to stumble, culminating in a journey of self-confidence that leads her to find her true voice—literally and figuratively.
Right from the start, the stage sets the tone. Carole’s opening outfit is the epitome of the ’60s, instantly capturing her spirit. Every inch of the production screams time-period perfection—costumes, wigs, set pieces, and props all combine to immerse the audience in this musical era. Special credit goes to wig designer Kate Casalino, whose creations were so spot-on they could have been plucked straight from an old TV broadcast.
And let’s talk about the set! Jason Simms’ ingenious use of moving staircases allows seamless scene transitions, keeping the story flowing effortlessly from one iconic location to another. Pair that with the beautifully backlit window backdrop that subtly shifts to match each scene’s mood, and you’ve got a visual masterpiece that enhances every moment.
Of course, a show like this demands vocals that are the three Cs: Clean, Clear, and Confident. This production nails it without question. The music is fun, classic, and packed with songs everyone will recognize, from “One Fine Day” to “You’ve Got a Friend.” Every note is crisp, balanced beautifully against the phenomenal live orchestra, conducted by Helen Gregory. Her direction shines through in multiple moments, giving the music a depth and energy that truly brings this piece to life.
The choreography by Gerry McIntyre is engaging from start to finish, making every musical number feel like a live taping of American Bandstand. If you don’t leave this show humming “The Loco-Motion” and doing a little dance on the way out, did you even see it? Every ensemble member brings dynamic choices to the table, ensuring each character gets a moment to shine. And those costume changes—frequent, fast, and flawlessly executed—show an impressive level of collaboration between actors and designers.
Dawn Chang’s lighting design is nothing short of magical. The neon backdrop, cleverly resembling musical notes on a staff, adds a stunning visual element that ties the entire production together. Light dances off the actors and the stage, enhancing the electric performances. Karen Azenburg’s direction makes expert use of every corner of the stage, creating a performance space that feels expansive yet natural.
Of course, a musical is nothing without its performers, and this cast delivers across the board. Sara Sheperd is simply as inspiring as Carole, bringing warmth, humor, and raw emotion to every moment. The audience was there to see Carole King, and Sara made sure they got her in all her glory. Anthony Sagaria’s Gerry Goffin takes us on a rollercoaster of emotional highs and lows, demonstrating impressive range. Lee Alexandra Harrington’s Cynthia Weil is a powerhouse, managing to hold her own while allowing Carole to be the story’s true champion. Stephen Christopher Anthony as Barry Mann is endlessly entertaining, from his refusal to shake Cynthia’s hand to his impressive guitar skills.
James O. Hansen’s stage management deserves its round of applause—set changes were lightning-fast and seamless, never interrupting the show’s momentum. The sound design was equally strong, maintaining a perfect balance between vocals and orchestra, ensuring no lyric was lost in the music.
At its core, Beautiful is more than just a jukebox musical—it’s a story about believing in yourself and realizing your potential. Carole King’s journey is one of resilience, self-acceptance, and, ultimately, triumph. You never know how far you might go until you take that first step, and Pioneer’s production takes every step with grace, charm, and boundless energy. It’s the most hoppin’ performance we’ve seen all season, and if you have the chance to catch it, do yourself a favor and go. You’ll leave singing, dancing, and feeling, well—beautiful.
