Beautiful - The Carole King Musical

Spotlight Theatre’s second hit musical to be staged this year, Beautiful, is a fantastic production in every sense of the word!

The story follows the life and creative genius of the incredibly talented musician Carole King.

As Carole, Gabriella Flowers gives a powerhouse performance with Todd Jesson as her lyric writing husband Gerry Goffin, and her friends and song writing rivals Cynthia Weil (Rachel Love) and Barry Mann (Bryn Jenke). The supporting cast all have their opportunity to present their various “songs” with style.

The score is a catalogue of hits from the 60’s and 70’s and is brought to life by a wonderful cast under the direction and choreography of multiple Gold Coast Area Theatre Awards winner, Kim Reynolds.

Under the baton of another GCATA winner, Matt Pearson, the 13-piece orchestra is situated in the Basement Theatre next door – a trick that Spotlight have mastered to cope with the Covid restrictions of the “2 metre rule” with great success.

The production received a standing ovation on Opening Night and rightly so.

It was interesting to note the precision of the numerous scene changes; all carried out on a dimly lit stage by all the cast and crew under the supervision of Stage Manager Di Morgan (a logistical nightmare in less capable hands).

As has been the case with most of the productions Spotlight has staged since resuming last July, the season was sold out before opening and the additional performances that have been staged with each production have been easily filled from the lengthy “wait list”. 

And, making this production totally relevant, the Opening Night coincided with Carole King’s induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Beautiful music! Beautiful cast! Beautiful show! Beautiful experience!

Roger McKenzie

Image: Vargo Studios