By AJ Jaffari

What happens when heartbreak fuels a generation-defining sound? That’s the soulful question at the heart of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, the jukebox biopic that charts one woman’s rise from teenage songwriter to pop music legend. Based on King’s real-life journey, the show follows her early days penning hits in Manhattan’s Brill Building, her creative partnership (and complicated marriage) with lyricist Gerry Goffin, and her eventual emergence as a powerhouse solo artist.

Transcendence Theatre Company’s vibrant production captures the emotional highs and lows behind the hits, threading timeless songs like “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “It’s Too Late,” and “You’ve Got a Friend” into a story of resilience, reinvention, and finding your own voice. With warmth and wit, the musical poses a familiar but moving question: how do you write the soundtrack of your life when it’s still being lived?

The star of the show, Britta Rae (as Carole King), beautifully captures the essence of Carole while carving out a portrayal all her own—no easy feat given the legacy of past performers, especially Tony winner Jessie Mueller. Rae tugs at the audience’s heartstrings with quiet strength and vulnerability, and her vocals are both astounding and uncannily reminiscent of a young Carole.

It’s tough to single out other standouts in a production filled with stars in their own right. Billy Cohen (Gerry Goffin), Anne Terze-Schwarz (Cynthia Weil), and David R. Gordon (Barry Mann) each bring humor, charm, and—when it comes to Goffin—a dose of discomfort that feels intentional and narratively necessary.

At its core, this musical is a powerful statement on femininity and the journey toward becoming your own woman, independent of the men who try to define you—a message that was quietly radical in Carole’s time and still resonates deeply today.

As an ensemble piece, Beautiful truly soars. The acting, singing, and dancing across the cast is top-tier. And while I may be slightly biased toward friend of the pod Ruby Day (who, let’s be real, I adore in everything she does 😉), the entire company deserves a standing ovation.

This was my first time at Transcendence Theatre Company, and I can confidently say it won’t be my last. This company wasn’t on my radar until now, but they’ve completely won me over. While it’s definitely a bit of a trek from the South Bay, the experience made it more than worth it.

The pre-show picnic alone feels like an event—featuring local food and wine vendors, plenty of outdoor seating, and a relaxed, community-driven vibe. Yes, it was a little warm at first, but once the sun dipped behind the hills, I was treated to a gorgeous evening of Broadway-caliber entertainment under the stars.

The whole experience reminded me a bit of Broadway at Music Circus (another California favorite of mine), but with even more hometown charm. One note for first-time attendees: sightlines can be tricky. Since there are no risers, I recommend grabbing seats as close to the front as possible—and if you’re on the shorter side, consider bringing a little booster cushion.

All in all, this is true outdoor theater at its best—an experience that feels both magical and intimate. I’m already looking forward to my next visit.

The production value of Beautiful was truly spectacular. First, a well-deserved shoutout to sound designer—and Drama Desk nominee—Wes Shippee. The audio was impressively balanced and crystal clear, which is no small feat in a non-amphitheater outdoor venue.

Scenic design by Daren A. C. Carollo stood out as well. Having seen this show before, I especially appreciated the creative use of panels to distinguish different locations with clarity and style.

I had the pleasure of meeting the music director Sue Draus—who served as the original music director for the Broadway national tour—brings seasoned expertise to the score, and it shows. Every number was tight, emotive, and beautifully executed.

I also had the pleasure of meeting director Tony Gonzalez, whose vision for this production shines through in every scene. His direction captures the heart and soul of Carole’s story with sensitivity and elegance.

Kudos to the entire cast and creative team for delivering such a memorable, high-caliber performance. So what are you waiting for? Go see it!

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical runs through August 17 and tickets are available here.