**** When a Broadway hit becomes eligible for regional theater, the Chicagoland area is up for grabs. We have three major players, in the Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre and of course, the Drury Lane Theatre. “Beautiful: The Carole King Story” was probably the biggest hit that all three went after. They all were given the rights to do the show, but of course, at different times. Marriott and Paramount had sterling productions. The question then became, “could Drury Lane, the oldest of the regional theatres in Chicagoland handle being number 3?

Those of you who read my reviews on a regular basis, or listen to me on the radio ( WCPT820 Sunday1-2 p.m.) know that I talk about every production of a play is unique and different. On the way to Drury Lane tonight, Jane said “how any times have we seen this play?”. My answer- “0”. This is a new production with a new cast and a new director on a different stage, so guess what? It will be like seeing a new production! Fifteen minutes into tonight’s opening, she turned to me and said ” I am loving it”!.

The biggest problem in seeing a musical like this one is comparing the ladies who take on the role of Carole King. To be honest, it is not fair. so instead I will talk about the Drury Lane production well staged by Jane Lanier on a wonderful set designed by Misha Kachman. The set is designed to be transformed quickly allowing us to go from scene to scene with great ease. While there is not a lot of choreography in this show, Gerry McIntrye has found a way to use movement that is quite fitting to the music of the times.

This musical with a book by Douglas McGrath and words and music by the characters that bring the story to life is an amazing biography of Carole King ( played to perfection by Samantha Gershman, who is new to Drury Lane’s stage, but pay heed Chicago, she will be around for years to come). Gershman is terrific and played well with the cast of players thta make up an ensemble that is top-notch. While I was disappointed in Alex Benoit as Gerry Goffin, Andrew MacNaughton and Alexandra Palkovic made up for it with their portrayals of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. As a foursome of music makers they blended well together, and the music that the  actual people brought to the world, memorable!

The ensemble in this production is dynamite! Rebekah Ward, Michael Lawrence Brown, Averis Anderson, Ryan Armstrong, Anna Louise Bramlett, Lydia Burke, Reven Carroll, Maxwell J. DeTogne, Alley Ellis, Ian Greers, Emily Goldberg, Makenzy Jenkins, Alanna Lovely, Chamaya Moody, Austin Nelson jr., Nataki Rennie, Mitzi Smith, Michael Turrentine and Rico Velazquez.  Bravo. Some of the actors have been around in smaller theater and have worked their way to the stage at Drury Lane, proving that hard work does pay off.

The Drury Lane Orchestra under the direction of Chris Sargent brings all of the music by Goffin, King, Mann & Weil to life. The six musicians truly sound like a full orchestra. Nicole Boylan’s costumes are wonderful and the sound (Stephanie Farina & Sarah Ramos) and lighting (Julie Mack) as well as the props (Cassy Mack) are all top-notch. The projections (Anthony Churchill) and wigs/hair (Kevin S. Foster II) all added to the perfection of this production.

 

“Beautiful: The Carol King Musical” will continue Thru – March 23rd, with performances as follows: