‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’ Comes to Denver
Carole King is one of the most gifted and respected singers and songwriters of a generation. But how did she grow from her humble roots in Brooklyn to become the music icon we know and love today? Beautiful: The Carole King Musical traces her path in music from the late 1950s up to her groundbreaking album Tapestry‘s release in 1971. Along the way, we meet the people who influenced her: her songwriting partner, and later ex-husband, Gerry Goffin, as well as competing songwriters — and friends — Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann.
I spoke with John Michael Dias, the former star of Jersey Boys on Broadway, about his role in Beautiful as Neil Sedaka, and about Carole King’s legacy in this exclusive interview for OUT FRONT Colorado.
Out Front: Welcome to Denver!
John Michael Dias: Thank you!
Are you and the rest of the team excited to bring the production to Colorado?
Yes! So excited. I haven’t personally spent a lot of time in Denver so I am looking forward to exploring!
What do you think is special about this musical that will resonate with lifelong Carole King fans?
They will be excited by the way the tunes that they know so well are presented. This is the most talented group of people I’ve ever worked with.
What does this musical offer to people who may not know about Carole King’s extensive songbook (or at least they may think they don’t know a lot about it)?
They might come away having learned a few things. They might not know she and Gerry Goffin wrote these songs they recognize. Also they will learn how these songs were written.
Please tell me about the fine actress who plays Carole King in this production, Abby Mueller. What do you like the most about her performance on stage?
You don’t have enough space for me to tell you how much I love this extraordinary person! Abby. Mueller. Is. The. Best. I’ve never seen someone so connected, consistent and fresh every night on stage. Her voice is impeccable. Her dedication to playing Carole and the honesty she brings to the part every single performance are incomparable to anything I’ve seen before. She is reason alone to see this show. What I enjoy most about Abby on stage is how you watch her growing up in front of your eyes. She’s just plain brilliant.
Coming off your stint in Jersey Boys, what drew you to Beautiful? Is it a love of the music of the ’60s and ’70s? Period musicals?
I always say, “Thank God for the ’60s or else I wouldn’t have a career!” Playing Frankie Valli for seven years was a blast. The funny part of me playing Neil Sedaka (and others) in this show is the reference made to Neil Sedaka in Jersey Boys. The line goes “Frankie’s OK but he’s no Neil Sedaka!” I do love ’60s music and I’ve been lucky enough to be in two huge musicals about ’60s music. These shows are important because they document a time in music history while they make the audience feel like they are in a time machine. It’s a special thing to be a part of.
Throughout the musical, we see Carole “find her voice” and eventually leave for California. How universal of a message is that for the audience?
It’s true. I think it’s a very universal message. Also about not being a spectator in your own life by taking the reigns and controlling your destiny and spreading your love. She says it in the song “Beautiful”: “You’ve got to wake up every morning with a smile on your face and show the world all the love in your heart.” That’s an important message right now.
Do you relate to her? How important was it for you to “find your voice” in life?
I do relate to Carole.
Finding your voice is inspiring. Taking charge of your life is inspiring.
Tell us about some of the songs people can expect to hear in the show. Which ones do you like the best?
Some of the ones you can hear in the show include “I Feel The Earth Move, “Some Kind of Wonderful”, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”, and “Up on the Roof”, just to name a few. My favorite song in the show is “Will You Love Me Tomorrow.” Such an amazing song. I also love the duet I sing in the show, written by Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann: “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”.
What sets this musical apart from all the others that are touring nationally today?
One, I would say all the classic music from the ’60s. Two, I would say that it’s a true to life story. Three, I would say…Abby Mueller!
Denver audiences will hear the best of King’s songbook in Beautiful, which will play at The Buell Theater at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, beginning Tuesday, July 19, and running through Sunday, July 31. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased by going to denvercenter.org or by calling the box office at (800) 6411222.
