“When the divine Mueller lets loose, you feel the earth move.”
MusicalOriginal
MUSICALORIGINALCLOSED
Beautiful The Carole King Musical
Stephen Sondheim Theatre · Opened Jan 12, 2014 · Closed Oct 27, 2019 · Ran for 5 years, 9 months
Critics' Take
Critics praise Jessie Mueller's winning performance and King's irresistible song catalog, but find the formulaic book and conventional bio-musical storytelling disappointingly flat and uninspired.
Critic Scorecard
29 reviewsSort:
“Beautiful, now at the Theatre, takes the early life story – and music – of the legendary singer-songwriter Carole King to create one of the most entertaining Broadway shows in years.”
“Beautiful wouldn't be anywhere, of course, without the songs King started writing when she was 16 with soon-to-be husband Gerry Goffin (Jake Epstein).”
“What she got was more complicated, and “Beautiful” does a swell job breaking it down.”
“Nevertheless, “Beautiful” is unusually coherent, character-driven and sincere for a jukebox musical.”
amNewYork StaffFull Review
Audience Scorecard
6.5K audience reviews
A
Loving It
Awards Scorecard
2013-14 season73
Decorated
Won Best Actress (Musical) + 1 more
Drama Desk:3 wins / 6 nomsOuter Critics:4 nomsDrama League:1 nom
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicAll Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about Beautiful The Carole King Musical?
Critics praise Jessie Mueller's winning performance and King's irresistible song catalog, but find the formulaic book and conventional bio-musical storytelling disappointingly flat and uninspired. (CriticScore 75/100 from 29 reviews.)
Is Beautiful The Carole King Musical worth seeing?
Yes. Beautiful The Carole King Musical earns strong reviews from critics (75/100 from 29 reviews). Most theatergoers will have a great time.
What is the CriticScore for Beautiful The Carole King Musical?
Beautiful The Carole King Musical has a CriticScore of 75/100 based on 29 professional reviews. This is a "Recommended" show.
Is Beautiful The Carole King Musical still running on Broadway?
No, Beautiful The Carole King Musical has closed. It played at Stephen Sondheim Theatre and closed on October 27, 2019.
Theater Scorecard
Great VenueA Roundabout Theatre Company house with excellent sightlines and good sound. Post-renovation seating is comfortable with decent legroom. Standout facilities include 30 women's restroom stalls — triple the building code requirement — virtually eliminating intermission lines.
Original Broadway Cast
- Jessie MuellerCarole KingWinner: Actress (Musical)
- Jeb BrownDon Kirshner
- Jake EpsteinGerry Goffin
- Anika LarsenCynthia WeilNom: Featured Actress (Musical)
- Liz LarsenGenie Klein
- Jarrod SpectorBarry MannNom: Featured Actor (Musical)
- Ashley BlanchetA Shirelle
- E. Clayton CorneliousA Drifter
Notable Replacements
- Melissa BenoistCarole King
- Sarah BockelCarole King
- Vanessa CarltonCarole KingBroadway debut
- Chilina KennedyCarole King
- Abby MuellerCarole King
- Scott J. CampbellGerry Goffin
- Jake EpsteinGerry Goffin
- Suzanne GrodnerGenie Klein
Creative Team
- Marc BruniDirector
- Douglas McGrathBook
- Jason HowlandMusic Supervision
- Gerry GoffinMusic & Lyrics
- Carole KingMusic & Lyrics
- Barry MannMusic & Lyrics
- Cynthia WeilMusic & Lyrics
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 75/100 (29 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Jan 12, 2014
- Closed
- Oct 27, 2019
- Run Length
- 5 years, 9 months
- Runtime
- Data Last Updated
- September 13, 2026
