Carole King's Journey Comes to Life in "Beautiful" at Waltham Theater

Carole King's melodies resonate with many, yet the narratives behind her iconic songs often remain untold. The Tony Award-winning musical "Beautiful" brings these stories to the forefront, currently being staged at the Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston in Waltham.

At just 17, King penned her first No. 1 hit, but it took years for her own voice to emerge in the music industry.

Olivia Palmer, who embodies King in this production, remarked, "She is such a phenomenal storyteller, but also very human... Sometimes, all people need is a really good song in their day, and this show definitely delivers that." The performance promises to be more than mere imitation.

Palmer emphasized the importance of authenticity, stating, "One of the things that makes her so amazing is advocating for her voice and her individuality. I think if I were to try and be a Carole King impersonator on stage, that wouldn't be true to who she is."

King's early work included writing "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" for the Shirelles when she was just a teenager. Dey Chante, portraying a member of the girl group, noted, "King has such a distinct sound, but it sounds like it has all these influences. I think it's because she was so deeply collaborative."

Rachel Thompson, another Shirelle in the cast, shared her excitement about performing alongside fellow Black women: "Being in, like, a group of four, especially with four other Black women? It's very awesome to experience this and spread the joy of this music of that time."

As King honed her craft writing for others, she gradually found her own voice. Palmer explained, "She starts writing in a way that is about her and her story and saying, 'No, this music is about me. I want to make this album. I want to put my voice on it. I want to take the songs.'"

The 1971 album "Tapestry" stands as a testament to her artistry and is celebrated as one of the greatest albums ever produced.

"There's never a wrong time to change your mind, choose yourself or take up a different path or take up your own space," Palmer added. "And Carole - her story is very evident of that."

"Beautiful" will be performed at the Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston in Waltham through Sunday.