Abby Mueller stars in “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”

Jukebox musicals. Such a phrase makes those who love musical theatre shudder with a wave of disgust, as it exemplifies the devolution of the art form. Where the best musicals use carefully crafted music to advance the story and heighten the emotional moments, jukebox musicals simply jam familiar tunes into a threadbare plot to please the masses and make a buck.

But I’d heard Beautiful – The Carole King Musical was different. Even though the show celebrates her work and the work of her direct contemporaries,  it also explores the life of a woman whose talent and heart drove her forward, even if reluctantly so.

King never wanted to be a star — she simply wanted to write music. No: she feltcompelled to write it. And she also wanted a family. And, like most working mothers, King faced a constant struggle and negotiation to keep both sides moving forward. Luckily — at least at the beginning — King’s songwriting partner was also her husband, Gerry Goffin. But while the couple penned many chart-topping hits, including “The Loco-Motion” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” Goffin’s wondering eye and restless soul caused an end to the relationship — both professionally and personally.

But the unraveling of their marriage ultimately empowered King to weave “Tapestry” — her debut solo album which finally moved King into the spotlight and redirected the course of her career. Read the full review on The Huffington Post >>