Beautiful

This show about Carole King, the composer and singer, was a first for a Scottish amateur group to perform. Based on true events, we are taken on a journey of King’s early life and career and reminded of her talent in composition with songs that have now become classics like It Might as Well Rain Until September, Will You Still Love me Tomorrow and A Natural Woman - all here as fresh as the day they were written. The cast was vocally strong and well characterised. In fine voice, Julie Brown gave a sterling portrayal of Carole King with her determination to compose and not to be affected by success, and with her love and response to her husband’s sexual betrayal. James Gordon as Gerry Goffin caught the delight of a lyricist meeting a composer with whom he could work and relate. Yet he could not fully accept the confines of their relationship and his cool and deliberate infidelity hurt Carole but eventually deepened the quality of her compositions. The contrast between them and their friends Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil was marked. With his faithfulness to Cynthia, Ray O’ Sullivan’s performance as Barry was a delight with self-deprecating humour and nuanced delivery and matched by the outgoing, feisty portrayal of Cynthia by Jennifer McGowan. The delivery of King’s songs by The Shirelles, led by a confident Gillian Black, and by The Drifters, led by Andy Costello, were well choreographed with moves resonant of the era. In the pivotal role of publisher Don Kirshner, John McKenzie gave an authoritative air of knowing what was going to succeed while Violet Thompson as King’s mother was contrary and comical with her advice. The direction of twenty two scenes in Act One was never going to be easy but with a minimal set, a raised platform and transportable props, scenes rolled one into the other - helped with a deliberate choreography of moving the piano, giving rise to much amusement. The company sang and moved with confidence, and enjoyment in what they were delivering came across to the audience whose appreciation was clear. Congratulations to all.

Thanks to Elizabeth Donald, NODA Regional Rep for District 3 for providing this report.

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