Beautiful – About the Show
Highlights of Beautiful – Must-See Moments
The Life of Pop Icon Carole King
Carole King, one of the most influential figures in the American pop boom of the 1960s, is a name every music fan eventually encounters. Even if you don’t instantly recognize her name, chances are you have heard one of her timeless songs at least once.For example, she wrote “The Loco-Motion” in 1962 and “Chains,” which was famously recorded by The Beatles. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical brings these enduring hits and many more to life on stage, offering audiences the thrill of hearing them performed live on Broadway.
A Story of Struggles and Triumphs
This musical, built around Carole King’s catalog of songs, tells the powerful true story of her journey as a songwriter and performer. Though she once struggled with stage fright and self-doubt, she went on to become one of the most important voices in American pop music during the 1960s.
Audiences are captivated by her honesty, resilience, and pure love for music, making it impossible not to become a fan by the end of the show. Her legacy continues to resonate worldwide, with Beautiful productions staged internationally, including in Tokyo’s Imperial Theatre, proving her global appeal.
Beautiful – Show info
Show details of Beautiful
 |
Theater location： Stephen Sondheim Theatre 124 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 (Map) |
 |
Performance Run: Previews: November 21, 2013 Opening: January 12, 2014 Closing: October 27, 2019 |
 |
Show Links: |
 |
Type of the show: Easy to follow Emotional・Touching Stunning Songs Stunning Dance |
Beautiful – Story
The Plot / Summary of Beautiful
After the opening scene, the stage shifts back to 1958 in Brooklyn, when Carole was just sixteen. Although she was studying at college with the goal of becoming a music teacher, she could not let go of her dream of becoming a songwriter. She persuaded her mother to let her audition for Don Kirshner, a Manhattan music producer, and successfully had one of her songs published.
At college, Carole met Gerry Goffin, who would become both her creative partner and future husband. Drawn to each other’s talents, Carole began writing melodies while Gerry wrote the lyrics, and together they started producing songs as a team.
One day, lyricist Cynthia Weil walked into Don’s office to pitch her work. Though he initially hesitated, Don quickly recognized her talent and paired her with composer Barry Mann. From that moment on, the two songwriting duos became friendly rivals, pushing each other to create hit after hit. During this time, Carole and Gerry married after she became pregnant, beginning their journey as both partners in life and music.
Yet their success was soon overshadowed by personal struggles. Gerry’s infidelity, his suicide attempt, and eventually their divorce deeply affected Carole. Alone but determined, she found new strength when Cynthia and Barry, now engaged, encouraged her to sing at their party. This pivotal moment set Carole on the path to becoming a singer-songwriter in her own right. She later moved to Los Angeles, where Don helped her connect with a producer and begin recording her own album.
The story comes full circle with a return to the Carnegie Hall concert. Just minutes before the performance, Gerry unexpectedly appears backstage to offer Carole an apology, bringing a symbolic gift from their past. Carole accepts his words, and the concert becomes a triumphant success, cementing her place as one of the most celebrated voices in American music history.
Beautiful – Movie
The YouTube trailer of Beautiful
This is the promotional video for the Broadway musical “Beautiful.” You can see scenes from the show, filled with both emotion and laughter.
Beautiful – Explore, FAQ
Behind the Scenes of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
What Makes This Jukebox Musical Different
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is based on the life of legendary American singer and songwriter Carole King. Unlike shows such as Aladdin or The Phantom of the Opera, this production stands out because it is a jukebox musical. Instead of featuring songs written exclusively for the stage, Beautiful uses Carole King’s existing catalog of hits.
Jukebox musicals were once seen as risky because their success was unpredictable, but the global triumph of Mamma Mia! changed that perception. Today, Beautiful is celebrated as one of the most successful jukebox musicals on Broadway, proving the power of Carole King’s timeless music.
Powerful Ensemble Performances
Beyond Carole King’s iconic songs like “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” the musical also highlights works co-written with her then-husband Gerry Goffin, as well as songs by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Audiences are treated to outstanding ensemble performances from groups portraying The Drifters, The Shirelles, and The Righteous Brothers, bringing the golden age of American pop to life on stage.
Carole King and the Legacy of “Tapestry”
Carole King’s 1971 solo album Tapestry was a landmark in music history, spending 15 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard charts and remaining in the Top 100 for an incredible 302 weeks. The album earned her four Grammy Awards, solidifying her place as one of America’s most influential hitmakers. She even collaborated internationally, contributing to Japanese singer Mayumi Itsuwa’s debut album in 1972 and producing her records until 1974.
In recognition of her career, King received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Tapestry has continued to inspire new generations, with tribute albums released decades later, and in 2003 it was ranked number 36 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
The fifth track on side A of Tapestry is the song “Beautiful,” famously written by Carole during a ride on the New York City subway. This song would later give its name to the hit Broadway musical that celebrates her life and legacy.
Beautiful – FAQ
-
Can I buy tickets for Beautiful (Broadway show) on the day of the show?
Tickets are available for purchase until the day before the show through our booking page. See more details about Beautiful tickets.
-
How much are tickets for Beautiful (Broadway show)?
Tickets for the Broadway musical Beautiful start at $68 with our discounted prices. See more details for Beautiful tickets.
-
Is the English in Beautiful (Broadway show) hard to understand?
The musical Beautiful is an enjoyable show even if you don’t understand English. We recommend reading the synopsis before you go. For other recommended shows, please refer to the Broadway Musical Selection Guide. You’re sure to find a show you’ll love from among the many musicals in New York.
-
Do you have a summary or synopsis of Beautiful (Broadway show)?
The story and synopsis of the Broadway musical Beautiful are introduced in the Beautiful Story section. Reading this beforehand will help you easily understand the storyline.
Beautiful – Review
Review by Meron:
Absolutely wonderful!
A friend who loves musicals recommended this show and it went far beyond my expectations. I was so impressed and left completely satisfied. I realized it is ending soon, which makes me want to tell everyone to see it before it closes.
October 1, 2019
Review by ypmypm:
Beautiful
I saw this show once four years ago and it was actually my very first Broadway experience. I still remember being deeply moved. Since I will be visiting New York next month, I plan to see it again. I was surprised to learn it closes in October, which makes me want to go even more.
August 1, 2019
Review by Tomozo:
Perfect choice
I was looking for a Broadway show under 100 dollars and found this one. I used to listen to Carole King a lot, so it felt like the perfect match. Her life story is incredible. The songs had a different feel on stage, more in line with American musical style, and it gave me a clear sense of what Broadway is all about. I highly recommend it.
September 4, 2019
Review by “Very Entertaining”:
Completely satisfied
Even if you do not know much about Carole King, you can still enjoy this show. Some songs were familiar, others were new to me, but I loved how the story carried the performance without relying on flashy costumes or sets. It felt like true theater and true musical storytelling. I was so glad I saw it.
August 19, 2019
Review by Yaiko:
Great music
There were songs I knew and some I did not, but overall it was enjoyable. It was actually my first time seeing a Broadway musical. I originally wanted to see Aladdin, but this biographical musical gave me a whole new perspective. The English was a bit challenging, but I still had fun.
March 15, 2019
List of Broadway Shows
Discover the exciting lineup of musicals you can book now with At Broadway, plus a look back at the amazing shows we’ve offered in the past!
Explore Other Broadway Theater Tickets
Helpful info for buying musical tickets
