“Beautiful” to Star Kayla Rivera as Carole King
As previously announced, “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” is Atlantis Theatrical’s next musical. Featuring classics such as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “Up on the Roof,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and “Natural Woman, with a book by Douglas McGrath, ‘Beautiful’ is a jukebox musical about King’s true story– from teenage songwriter to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
Kayla Rivera (In the Heights, Aladdin, Carrie, The Addams Family, Rock of Ages), who most recently played Violet Hilton in Side Show, will be playing Carole King. “I am so honored to be a part of ‘Beautiful’, more so playing the role of Carole King herself,” says Rivera. “Her music is timeless and simply touches the heart and soul of listeners. Beyond that, she broke barriers by making her mark in a male-dominated industry with the historic success of one of the best selling albums of all time, ‘Tapestry.’ She is a true inspiration and it is such a blessing to be trusted with this role. I can’t wait to share her heart and deep love for music with a Filipino audience.”
Joining her is Nick Varricchio (A Chorus Line, Happy Days, The Light in the Piazza, Spring Awakening), who will be playing her husband and writing partner, Gerry Goffin. Varricchio was last seen in Manila as Double J in Atlantis’ touring production of “Saturday Night Fever”. This will be his second musical in Manila.
“I feel honored to join Atlantis’ production of ‘Beautiful,’” says Varricchio. The chance to create with Bobby Garcia and his team makes me daydream about the tapestry we are going to weave. Ms. King was once called ‘the first woman to give a downbeat,’ and I am eager to tell her story through words on pitch.”
Together, King and Goffin wrote over 20 hit songs, including “Up on the Roof” and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.” They were married for nine years, from 1959 to 1968 and have two daughters, Louise and Sherry.
“Beautiful” continues to run on Broadway, with a US National Tour. Jessie Mueller won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical when she originated the role in 2014.
The musical is the second show in Atlantis’ 20th Anniversary Season. It is preceded by “Angels in America: Millennium Approaches”, which opens in March at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of the RCBC Plaza. “Beautiful” opens on June 14 at the Meralco Theater. It will be directed by Bobby Garcia.
