Ashley Zielinski Rudy as Carole King. Photo by Alison Harbaugh of Sugar Farm Productions.
Prolific singer-songwriter, Carole King, has been making the earth move under our feet for decades, and now, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre has brought her extraordinary story to their stage with a production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” This beloved jukebox bio-musical, with book by the late Douglas McGrath, features the iconic music and lyrics of Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil. The hit play opened on Broadway in January 2014 after a successful 2013 run in San Francisco. The original production was a critical success, earning seven Tony Award nominations—winning two—and taking home the 2015 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
…Ashley Zielinski Rudy gives a stellar, anchoring performance…wildly entertaining show.
The plot is an inspiring, nostalgic ride through the golden era of pop music following Carole King’s career from her start as a spunky, Brooklyn teenager composing music at her mother’s piano to her legendary 1971 Carnegie Hall performance. We witness King fighting her way into Manhattan’s competitive music business, falling in love and creating a dynamic partnership with Gerry Goffin. We see their rise at Aldon Music under Don Kirshner; their friendly rivalry with fellow hitmakers, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil; and the painful fracture of their marriage. Ultimately, the story culminates with King achieving record-breaking success with her solo album, Tapestry.
The subplot of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” chronicles the changing tastes of American music from the bubble-gum, teeny-bopper pop of the 1950s through the popularization of smooth Motown sounds to the era of grittier rock and protest songs. Even the campy music written for 1960s sitcoms gets a nod when King and Goffin’s “Pleasant Valley Sunday” is bought for the up-and-coming, made-for-TV group, The Monkees.
Under the direction of Mark Briner, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre captures the pure joy and universality of music. As Carole King, Ashley Zielinski Rudy gives a stellar, anchoring performance, balancing vulnerability with immense musical power. Her acting and vocals are spot-on! She is paired with the equally talented Nathanael Quay as the brilliant, but restless Gerry Goffin. The comedic sparring between Erica Miller’s sharp, witty Cynthia Weil and her neurotic, hypochondriac partner, Barry Mann played by Chris Ruby, provides wonderfully delicious friction and laughs. Adam Conklin is excellent as the no-nonsense Don Kirshner. The principal performers have wonderful stage chemistry. They seem to love every moment of the show, and the audience feels their energy in every scene.
Selena Athas has perfect comedic timing as Genie Klein, King’s world-weary mother. Vanessa Van Note shines as Betty, King’s supportive girlhood friend. Kasey Colligan is Mr. Kirshner’s gatekeeping secretary. Natasha Alston is the smart, confident Shirley Owens who demands classy, elegant music for Black artists. Michelle Bruno is the sultry Janelle Woods. Carter Grimes is Nick, the guitarist who encourages King’s solo career. Hope Gilbert is rising star, Marilyn Wald. Chyenne Jones-Arnwine solos as the “Uptown” Singer. All deliver a solid performance with heart!
“Beautiful” not only features the hit music penned by both songwriting teams, but it also brings legendary musical acts back to the center stage. The Drifters, played by Will Griffin, B. J. Robertson, and Michael C. Smith, perform “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “Up on the Roof,” and “On Broadway.” As the Shirelles, Natasha Alston, Aryana Briner, Michelle Bruno, and Cheyanne Jones-Arnwine, sing the ground-breaking hit “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.” As the Righteous Brothers, Alex Miletich IV and Vincent Schiavone give us “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling.” Aryana Briner reappears as Little Eva performing the dance craze “Locomotion.” Even Carole King’s first boyfriend, Neil Sedaka played by Jeremy Limansky, makes a brief appearance. Their vocals are a powerful, soulful, joyful showcase of popular American music—and one of the most fun aspects of this wildly entertaining show.
The production’s artistic team meets the cast’s onstage energy and is everything we’ve come to expect from Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre. Costume designer Lisa Chadwich curates a vibrant wardrobe for every role, transitioning seamlessly from late-1950s modesty to full-on 1970s bohemian chic. Under music director Kate Piazza, every vocal arrangement sounds remarkably crisp, tight, and authentic to the period. Driving the show’s unstoppable momentum is the exceptional eight-piece musical ensemble led by conductor Billy Georg. The live orchestration is perfectly balanced against the vocals, making hits like “One Fine Day” and “You’ve Got a Friend” soar.
Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre has given us another amazing show but be warned: This charming musical may cause earworms and smiles that last for days!
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 30 minutes including one 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: Adult themes.
“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” runs through July 25, 2026, at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, 143 Compromise Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go online.
