Looking for a perfect antidote to the return of wet, blustery weather? Perhaps you need a memorable date night, moms’ night out or bonding experience with your tween? Perfect timing: Beautiful – The Carole King Musical made its Seattle premiere at the Paramount Theatre this week.
The Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical tells the life of iconic singing and songwriting legend Carole King, whose career began as a teenager, when she met her musical partner and future husband Gerry Goffin between classes. Long before generations were able to sing by heart every word from King’s record-breaking Tapestry album, she was the genius behind equally familiar rock ‘n' roll standards of the early 1960s, eventually finding her own voice as a singer and songwriter when her lyrics became too personal for others to bring them to life.
Opening night’s audience reflected the timeless popularity of King’s appeal. This mom and her bestie saw our 92-year old friends clapping with the same glee as families who had kids in tow. Younger children will appreciate the bright lights, colorful costumes and delightful choreography.
For older kids, the show reveals the dramatic cultural transformation of a single decade and expresses through musical numbers connected by crisp, G-rated dialogue the universal themes of big dreams, hard work, friendship and love. And everyone will revel in the real stars of the show — the songs — given true justice by the gorgeous voices of a Broadway-credentialed cast.
The show is beginning to sell out, but when I went home and ordered tickets for next week, good seats were left. So call your babysitter, ask her to “Take Good Care of My Baby” (Bobby Vee). Then do “The Loco-Motion” (Little Eva) down to the Paramount with friends or family. No need to see it “On Broadway” (The Drifters) when we’re fortunate to have a production this special in Seattle. For two memorable hours, the sky’s “Shades of Gray” (The Monkees) will feel “So Far Away” (King).
“You’ve Got a Friend.” Yes, we all do, in the remarkable Carole King.
Parents should know
This mom thinks that anyone post-squirming age (ages 6 and older) would be very entertained by the musical, although the lateness of the evening shows will give parents pause (and an excuse for a Carole King date night). There are matinee performances weekend afternoons. There are 1950s-style kisses, no drugs, no violence. Carole's husband yells a bit (in real life he suffered from bipolar disease) but nothing scary.
Get more details in this Carole King study guide.
If you go ...
When/where: Beautiful plays through Sunday, Oct. 30 at Seattle's Paramount Theatre, with afternoon and evening performances both Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets: $34 and up; purchase online. Tip: $25 rush tickets are available (one per student I.D.) one hour before the show for Tuesday–Friday performances plus Sunday evening.
