It’s “One Fine Day” and one week only of entertaining evenings when “Beautiful, the Carole King Musical” opens the Curtain Call series at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, October 9-14. There’s no guarantee audience’s “will feel the earth move” but they’ll be toe-tapping and finger-snapping on a trip down memory lane with the music that moved a generation. The Tony award winning musical “Beautiful” tracks Carole King’s life from teenage songwriter to “A Natural Woman” with her #1 hit album topping the charts in 1971.
“Beautiful” follows King’s musical odyssey from Brooklyn girl to the living legend credited with writing the soundtrack of her generation. Baby boomers will be dancing in the aisles as they sing along to the melodies of their youth. Yes, this is Carole King’s story; it is also a tribute to a whole group of songwriters and singers who embodied the changing times. Among the talented songsmiths of the era were Carole’s husband and co-composer Gerry Goffin and friendly rivals Barry Mann and Cynthia Well. These gifted composers along with hit producing performers such as the Drifters and the Shirelles were the muses that brightened Carole’s stardom. But none was more influential and supportive of the budding songstress than her mother Genie Klein.
Genie was with Carole every step of the way as she rose through the ranks, eventually making it on her own, while gaining the confidence and acceptance that bought fans to their feet at Carnegie Hall. Suzanne Grodner, who has played Genie both on Broadway and in the 2015 tour, says she was inspired to continue in the role with the 2018 tour, because “The story is incredible, it’s about Carole King being one of the most iconic singer/songwriters of our time. I’ve been given the honor of playing her mother and with that comes the great responsibly of telling Carole’s story as she lived it. I actually spoke with Carole a bit about what her mom was like. Genie was a fascinating woman. She was a concert pianist, a writer, an actress and later a critic. It’s a privilege to use Douglas McGrath’s (book) wonderful words to play this woman who guided and literally lived Carole King’s story.
Grodner, as Genie, shows up in the very first scene so the audience shares in their relationship from the opening act to the final curtain. Asked to describe Carole’s story from the point of view of her mother, Grodner says “the influence Genie had on Carole was huge. Carole relied on her mom for advice. In the beginning she was a protective mom, leery of her daughter trying to make it in the music industry. She knew it was difficult for a woman to make a dent in the business in the 1950’s. She pushed her to get an education, to teach music not create it. The audience sees, as the show progresses, Genie change from being skeptical to being Carole’s champion, her biggest cheerleader. So, by a certain point, it was Genie who pushed Carole to follow her dreams. Cast, crew, and fans celebrate that every performance, listening to her timeless music.”
Playing Genie Klein is a dream role for Grodner, who admits to sharing a few characteristics with Genie. She says, “Like Genie, I can be a bit of a loud mouth. I speak my mind and so did she. What came out of her mouth was what you got. So yeah, I’d say we have that boldness in common. Of course, love of family is another trait we share.” Grodner continues “Genie is absolutely the kind of person I would have liked as a friend in real time. She would have been fun to hang out with, maybe we’d have a martini and just sit down to chew the fat. She seemed like she was a really strong, vibrant, charming woman of many talents.”
“Beautiful’ is often described as a ‘Jukebox’ musical because it’s a series of hit songs but Grodner believes it has been taken to an entirely different level than other musicals with that label because of the book by Douglas McGrath. She says “we have a terrific script that allows the characters to develop fully on stage, thanks to the skills of our incredible writer. We also have a wonderful director, Marc Bruni who works closely with each actor on stage, whether they’re a principle or ensemble player. His work is instrumental in bringing each character to life in this true story of personalities who have become legends. Marc is a great Director.”
Grodner grew up listening to “Tapestry” and all the great music of that era in her parent’s home. She says “Carole and other brilliant musicians of that era gave us a wealth of music to pass on to audiences every night. Carole King fans can literally sit back and listen to the soundtrack of their generation.”
“Oh Carol,” while we, oldies but goodies, groove to “The Locomotion,” millennials haven’t ‘lost that loving feeling.” Grodner says “the songs are relatable to young people today and it’s a ‘Beautiful’ thing to see people of all ages in the audience. Sometimes we have three generations enjoying the show. Parents, and grandparents’ with tweens and teens in tow, bring families on a walk down memory lane as they pass along cherished theatrical traditions to the next generation. What’s surprising is, not how much kids love the show, but how so many tell me ‘I know all this music, I just had no idea she wrote it.’ It’s thrilling to see the smiles on their faces and their excitement.”
“You’re Got a Friend” so get on down to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. “Beautiful, the Carole King Musical” is playing in Segerstrom Hall, October 9-14, 2018. For tickets and information: Online, SCFTA.org; in person, The Box Office (600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa); by phone 714-556-2787. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.