BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL
Music/Lyrics by Gerry Goffin, Carole King, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil
Book by Douglas McGrath
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PRODUCTION STAFF
Director: Gregory Allen
Musical Director: Joseph Christianson
Choreographer: Megan Ferentinos
Producers: Scott Baird & Kathy Falcone Bernstein
Production Stage Manager: Jil Leonard
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AUDITION DATES/TIMES
Saturday April 25th, 2026 (11:00am-1:00pm by appointment, 1:00pm-2:00pm by open call)
Sunday April 26th, 2026 (12:00pm-2:00pm by appointment, 2:00pm-3:00pm by open call)
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CLICK HERE to sign up for an audition time slot.
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AUDITION LOCATION
Liberty Middle School
1 Kelly Drive
West Orange, NJ 07052
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CALLBACK DATE
May 4th, 2026 - by invitation only
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PERFORMANCE DATES
July 10, 11th, 16th, 17th & 18th at 8pm
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WHAT TO PREPARE
Please prepare 16-32 bars (approx. 45-60 seconds) of a song in the style of the show or from the show. Please make sure all sheet music is clearly marked. You may be asked to dance at the initial audition. You may also be asked to read sides at the initial audition.
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If you have any questions, please reach out to Scott Baird & Kathy Falcone Bernstein, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Producers, at sbaird@pleasantvalleyproductions.org & kathy@pleasantvalleyproductions.org
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REHEARSAL INFORMATION
Rehearsal will begin in early May. Rehearsal will typically be held 3-4 times a week including weekends. You will be asked to list all conflict dates on your audition form. Not everyone will be called to every rehearsal.
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SHOW SYNOPSIS
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable rise to stardom. Beginning with her early days as a talented teenage songwriter in Brooklyn, the musical follows her journey into the heart of the 1960s New York music scene, where she teams up professionally and romantically with lyricist Gerry Goffin. Together, they create a string of chart-topping hits for legendary artists, while forming close friendships with fellow songwriting duo Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann.
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As Carole navigates the pressures of success, marriage, and personal heartbreak, she finds the strength to step into the spotlight as a performer in her own right. Her evolution culminates in the creation of Tapestry, one of the most iconic and bestselling albums of all time. Featuring unforgettable songs such as “So Far Away,” “It Might as Well Rain Until September,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” and “Beautiful,” this uplifting musical celebrates perseverance, creativity, and finding your own voice.
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CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Carole King (Mezzo-Soprano, G3–D5)
Age Range: 18–35, White, female presenting. A gifted songwriter and musician from Brooklyn who rises to become one of the most influential recording artists of her generation. Warm, genuine, vulnerable, and quietly strong. Carole begins as a shy, uncertain young woman and grows into a confident performer and artist who ultimately finds her own voice.
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Gerry Goffin (Tenor, B2–A4)
Age Range: 20–40, White, male presenting. Carole’s husband and songwriting partner. Brilliant, charismatic, and complex. Gerry struggles with personal demons and fidelity, creating emotional strain in his marriage. His creative chemistry with Carole produces legendary songs, but his internal conflicts lead to heartbreak.
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Cynthia Weil (Mezzo-Soprano, G3–D5)
Age Range: 20–40, White, female presenting. Smart, witty, confident lyricist and half of the songwriting duo with Barry Mann. Strong-willed, supportive, and fiercely talented. Cynthia balances ambition, romance, and partnership with humor and emotional depth.
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Barry Mann (Tenor, C3–B4)
Age Range: 20–40, White, male presenting. Talented composer, neurotic, endearing, and somewhat insecure. Partner to Cynthia Weil. Barry is a brilliant musician who struggles with confidence and stage fright but grows into his own through love and collaboration.
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Don Kirshner (Baritone, A2–G4)
Age Range: 30–60, White, male presenting. Powerful, driven music producer and head of Aldon Music. Ambitious, commanding, and business-minded. Kirshner recognizes talent and pushes his writers to create hit after hit, often prioritizing success over personal considerations.
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Genie Klein (Mezzo-Soprano, F3–C5)
Age Range: 40–60, White, female presenting. Carole’s mother. Practical, outspoken, protective, and strong-willed. Genie wants security and stability for her daughter while learning to support Carole’s artistic dreams and independence.
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Neil Sedaka (Tenor, C3–B4)
Age Range: 18–30, White, male presenting. Carole’s childhood friend and early songwriting collaborator. Energetic, charming, and charismatic. A featured performer who brings humor, style, and vocal flair to early rock-and-roll scenes.
The Drifters — Ben E. King, Mike, and Jay (Tenor/Baritone, various ranges)
Age Range: 20–40, Black, male presenting. A charismatic vocal trio performing many of the era’s iconic songs. Smooth, energetic, stylish, and strong dancers. These performers help bring the concert atmosphere and rhythm-and-blues style to life.
The Shirelles — Shirley Owens, Beverly Lee, Doris Coley, and Addie “Micki” Harris (Mezzo-Soprano/Soprano, various ranges)
Age Range: 18–35, Black, female presenting. A powerhouse girl group delivering soulful, energetic performances. Confident, vibrant, and dynamic. Provide strong ensemble presence and musical drive.
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Lucille (Mezzo-Soprano, F3–D5)
Age Range: 20–40, Any race, female presenting. Secretary at Aldon Music. Warm, funny, and nurturing, offering emotional support to Carole. A grounding presence and friendly confidante.
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Betty (Mezzo-Soprano, G3–D5)
Age Range: 20–40, Any race, female presenting. Aspiring singer and friend within the Aldon scene. Bright, enthusiastic, and supportive, adding energy and warmth to ensemble scenes.
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Ensemble (All races, all gender identities, all vocal parts)
Play such roles as songwriters, recording artists, session singers, dancers, producers, secretaries, concert audiences, and industry figures. Ensemble members provide dynamic movement, rich harmonies, and multiple featured character moments throughout the show.