REVIEW: Short North Stage's "Beautiful"

Britta Rae is perfection personified as Carole King

The best part of writing this theatre blog is following the careers of talented performers as they perfect their craft. So when I learned that 2022 CCM graduate Britta Rae was appearing in Columbus, Ohio, I knew I wanted to try to see her. With my busy schedule, this was a challenging task. But I had a weekend with little on my agenda, so I decided to make a day trip out of the journey. I’m so delighted I did.

I arrived at the theatre a little early; Ethel’s Stage Left Lounge was not quite open, but I was able to use the restroom. I chatted with the gentleman who was setting up, explaining that I’d traveled from Cincinnati to see Britta, and he lit up. “She’s incredible,” he said. That seemed to be the sentiment from everyone I talked to. Of course, I wasn’t surprised that she was well-liked and admired.

But I don’t know that I was prepared for just how powerful her nuanced performance would be in this musical, as she embodied Carole King from sixteen years old all the way to Carnegie Hall. Her voice had all of Carol’s affection and character, but it wasn’t an impersonation. It was a tribute to the legendary singer/songwriter and one that found all the emotional beats.

Embarrassingly, I snot-cried at Carole finally believing in her abilities as a performer, but not because of any emotional manipulation; the authenticity of Rae’s acting just moved me to ugly cry right there in the second row.

Of course, one performer can’t make a show like this work alone. Director and choreographer Dionysia Williams has assembled a wonderful ensemble of talented actors, singers, and dancers who grace the stage with passionate performances. Corbin Payne plays Gerry Goffin, Carole’s first love, and maintains likeability despite some very unlikable behavior. Alyson Snyder delights as Cynthia Weil, with her spunky, independent spirit, while Cody Schmid delivers some of the best laughs and vocals as Barry Mann.

I lost count of how many costumes “Carole” wore throughout the show, but Edward Carignan delivers with period-appropriate attire that also flatters the cast. The show is a beautiful spectacle, no pun intended, as the lights by Christopher Lipstreu focus us in the right places on the large stage. Antonio Dibernardo’s set design is simple but effective - and I loved the two stationary set pieces on either side that paid tribute to the musical eras. The luscious score sounds great, thanks to Jonathan Collura and his on-stage orchestra. The two-hour-plus show flew by with great pacing, professional transitions, and what must be an amazing backstage crew.

Overall, this was a delightful experience. Parking was a breeze - or would be if you’re not super early like I was. The lot next door charged $3.25 for 3 hours, but wouldn’t let me add more time until the time expired, so I was scrambling in the dark to repurchase parking, hoping the parking gremlins weren’t hovering over my vehicle in the thirty seconds it took to re-up. My original seat seemed to have a defect, but the house staff was accommodating and reseated me in an equally up-close spot with no fuss. And everyone at the theatre, from the volunteer ushers to the paid staff, were nothing short of delightful.

“Beautiful” is chock-full of some of the era's best music. You’ll sway, bob, and tap your foot, but please don’t sing along. Besides, once you hear Britta Rae sing, you won’t be able to - your mouth will be wide open in amazement.

She’s perfect.

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL runs through July 30th at Short North Stage in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Tickets and more information can be found here.