‘Beautiful’ now playing at the Argyle

“You’ve Got a Friend,” one of the anthems of a generation originally written and performed by the iconic Carole King and featured in Argyle ‘s current production of “Beautiful, the Carole King Musical,” is directed by Banji Aborisade; musical director, Jonathan Brenner; costumes, Amanda Scanze, choreographer, Victoria Casillo and lighting design, Gib Gibney.

The show follows the rise of King, who started out as a shy, 16-year-old Brooklyn teen with a burning passion to share her music. She boldly brings her first song to be published to producer Don Kirshner, who took a chance on her talent and signed her. She went on to write along with her husband Gerry Goffin for notable artists including The Drifters’ “Up on the Roof”; The Shirelles’ “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”; and Little Eva, who coincidentally had been their nanny who made “The Locomotion” famous.

Tess Jonas, who played King, portrayed her character with an honest realism whose voice was so much like King’s if you closed your eyes, you’d think it was her. Her character’s transition from the young King to the self-actualized musical star who gave us the story of her life through her album “Tapestry,” was in full period dress through the authentic costumes by Scanze, who also went all-out designing all the performer’s sequined dresses and jackets that shimmered with every amazing dance routine.

Gerry Goffin’s character, played by Lukas James Miller, portrayed King’s self-doubting, unsatisfied husband with a mix of panache during happy moments and with overwhelming bouts of depression which led him to stray from their marriage and writing team. He had a striking stage presence that allowed the audience to feel for his character’s shortcomings.
Writing couple and friends of King and Goffin, Cynthia Weil (Lily Daugherty and Barry Mann (Joey LaVarco) played a fun-loving pair whose dynamic energy onstage stole the show at moments with their witty portrayal of their characters.

You’ll recognize their Righteous Brothers’ song “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.”
The actors playing the famous groups back in the day—The Drifters, Dante Revonne Hill, David Benjamin Perry, Ephraim, Takyi, Travis Talib Wroten—and The Shirelles, Laila Canelo, Kendall Stewart, Payton Tabb, and Remi Veronica, who also played Janelle Woods—could literally take their acts on the road today and be as famous as the originals. That’s how good their portrayals were and their voices so on target!

This is a feel-good show with music history throughout and recognizable songs that make you want to sing along to every one! The last number, “I Feel the Earth Move,” had the audience giving a standing ovation as everyone did actually sing along… the whole experience, “Beautiful!”

“Beautiful” runs now through Aug. 30 at the Argyle Theatre, 34 W. Main St., Babylon.
Call: 631-230-3500 or visit Argyletheatre.com.