FAYETTEVILLE – Totem Pole Playhouse marks its 75th season with “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” running Aug. 8-24, for 20 performances. The Tony and Grammy Award-winning production celebrates Carole King’s journey from teenage songwriter to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend, featuring hits like “One Fine Day,” “Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got a Friend” and “I Feel the Earth Move.”
The musical, with a book by Douglas McGrath and songs by Gerry Goffin, Carole King, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, traces King’s rise from the Brill Building to Carnegie Hall. Hannah Taylor stars as Carole King, joined by John Ashley Brown as Gerry Goffin, Amy Decker as Cynthia Weil, Jason Cohen as Barry Mann, Sam Little as Don Kirshner, and Taylor Whidden as Genie Klein. The ensemble includes Marcus Jordan, Dave J. Abrams, James Major Burns, Mykal Sanders, Janelle Odom, Kayla Louison, Sydney Townsend, Sade Crosby, Bailey Hovermale Wennick, Katie Abt, Brad Myer, Nathan Frewen, Korri Slamans, Malik Harris, and Adam Shank.
Directed and choreographed by Christine O’Grady, with Marcus Jordan as associate director and Dave J. Abrams as associate choreographer, the production features music direction by Darren Server. The creative team includes Jim Fouchard (scenic design), Ryan B. Gibbs (lighting design), Brandon T. Miller (hair design), and Kate Wecker (sound design).
“It’s not just a jukebox musical—it’s a tapestry of perseverance and creativity,” said Ryan B. Gibbs, producing artistic director. “Carole King’s journey is a beautiful reminder of how powerful and personal music can be.”
With over 30 local cast and crew, the production underscores Totem Pole’s commitment to professional theater in Franklin County. Tickets are available at www.totempoleplayhouse.org or by calling 717-352-2164.
