Reflections on "Beautiful" & Carole King's Cultural Impact

Carole King: A name that brings up warm memories for many across the world, and for some, a name that is new. However, what remains true regardless of one’s familiarity with her name is that Carole King’s music is recognizable to all and her legacy in shaping rock ‘n’ roll music is undeniable.

“As a teenager growing up in the 60’s, I loved what we now call ‘classic rock and roll.’ Some of my favorites were ‘The Locomotion’ by Little Eva, ‘Up On the Roof’ by The Drifters, ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ by The Shirelles and ‘Go Away Little Girl’ by Bobby Vee,” recalled Susie Heaton,

 President of the Gallagher Bluedorn Advisory Board. “It wasn’t until I saw ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’ that I learned all of those songs, and many other classics from the late 1950s and 60s were written by Carole King,” Heaton continued. “So, actually, I fell in love with her music long before I knew that music was hers.”

A prolific artist such as Carole King requires an award-winning triumph capable of telling her story. “Beautiful - The Carole King Musical”' is just that. Through this Tony® and Grammy® award-winning musical, over 5 million people have learned of Carole King’s cultural impact. Now, the Cedar Valley has the opportunity to experience this magical production.

Coming to the Gallagher Bluedorn on December 7 and 8, Beautiful tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. “The fact that it tells her life story is amazing in so many ways,” remarked Chad Allen, Director of Development at the Gallagher Bluedorn. “I was astounded by what an amazing and prolific life Carole King has lived. I walked away knowing of an American treasure.”

What makes this Broadway musical so special is its ability to speak to hearts and minds across generational gaps. “Carole King’s ‘Beautiful’ was the centerpiece of a ‘Girl’s Weekend’ in Chicago a few years back,” Barb Duggan, patron of the Gallagher Bluedorn, mentioned. “Despite our multi-generational group, her magic spoke to all of our hearts because the musical has all the feels—love, laughter, heart ache, and determination,” Duggan remarked, “it’s a must-see show that will have you singing for days!”

Among the many highlights of Carole King’s life, “Beautiful” also chronicles the uphill battle King fought throughout her life, including her struggle breaking into the record business as a teenager and the hurdles faced in her personal life. “I am especially eager for my granddaughters to see the show,” shared Terri Jackson, Friend of the Gallagher Bluedorn. “I hope it will help them to understand prior discrimination women faced and how far we have come in finding our voice,” she continued, “I hope that will translate into more awareness of discrimination in general and reinforce the need for inclusiveness among all cultures and genders.”

"Beautiful" is a big Broadway musical with 24 cast members and a full orchestra that tells the true story of Carole King’s awe-inspiring story. Audiences are on their feet every night cheering for this inspiring musical account of four of America’s greatest songwriters. Beautiful features a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, including “I Feel The Earth Move,” “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend” and the title song.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this one-of-a-kind musical triumph at the Gallagher Bluedorn on December 7 and 8! Order tickets today at GBPAC.com.