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Review: ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’ at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

[Photo: Suzanne Carr Rossi]
Singing, dancing, and nostalgia light up the Riverside Theater stage in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, a vibrant journey through the early life and career of one of America’s most beloved songwriters. The story follows a 16-year-old Carole King growing up in Brooklyn, New York, as she chases her dream of becoming a songwriter despite her single mother's insistence that she pursue a more stable career as a schoolteacher. This heartwarming and inspiring narrative is woven with King’s iconic music, celebrating her rise from budding songwriter to legendary solo artist.

Ashlee Waldbauer returns to the Riverside stage with a show-stealing performance as Carole King. Her rendition of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" melts the audience and reminds us why King’s music continues to resonate across generations. Waldbaur, who also starred in Riverside's spring production of They’re Playing Our Song, showcases an ability to channel the emotional depth and vulnerability that made King’s music timeless.

Another Riverside veteran, Zachary Spafford, brings powerhouse vocals to his portrayal of characters like one of the Righteous Brothers, delivering a stunning performance of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.” Audiences will remember Spafford from his standout role as Frankie Valli in Riverside’s acclaimed production of Jersey Boys earlier this year, and his talent for hitting those high notes remains an undeniable highlight of the show.

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