Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” a captivating journey through the life of one of music’s most iconic songwriters. The production will run from Aug. 7 to 24.

Before she was the hit-maker, Carole King, she was Carole Klein, a spunky young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical takes audiences back to where it all began, chronicling her rise to stardom through the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music and her own life-changing success with the album "Tapestry." Featuring songs such as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “Natural Woman,” and “I Feel the Earth Move,” this musical promises an unforgettable ride through Carole King’s extraordinary life and career.

The cast includes Kyra Kennedy as Carole King, Jeff Sullivan as Gerry Goffin, Kathryn Boswell as Cynthia Weil, and Nick Moulton as Barry Mann. Also included in the cast are Reed Campbell  (Don Kirshner), Mary Beth Donahoe (Betty), Rachel Gubow (Marilyn), and Charis Leos as Genie Klein. Randy Cain and Seth Eliser play the Righteous Brothers, while the Drifters are portrayed by DeShawn Bowens, Trevail Maurice, Alfie Parker, Jr., and Jeremiah Valentino Porter. The Shirelles feature Giselle Amarisa Watts, Candace Haynes, Paris Porché Richardson, and Mikayla White. Understudies include Calista Jones and Jalen Kirkman.

Kyra Kennedy (Carole King) makes her MSMT debut with this production. She has previously portrayed Carole King in “Beautiful” at Paper Mill Playhouse. She has been featured in roles such as Kat Arujo in the World Premiere of “Mystic Pizza the Musical” (Ogunquit Playhouse, La Mirada Theatre), Monica Lewinsky in the World Premiere play “When Monica Met Hillary” (Miami New Drama), and roles in national tours of “Waitress.” 

Jeff Sullivan (Gerry Goffin) hails from Newfoundland, Canada, and has been part of tours including “TINA - The Tina Turner Musical,” “Finding Neverland (J.M. Barrie),” “West Side Story,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Producers.” 

Kathryn Boswell (Cynthia Weil) is also making her MSMT debut. Her Broadway credits include Anastasia and Gigi, and she played Cynthia in the Broadway National Tour of Beautiful.  Nick Moulton (Barry Mann) has appeared in the national tours of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” “Peter Pan 360,” and regional productions of “Jersey Boys” (Casa Mañana) and “Pump Boys and Dinettes” (Phoenix Theater), among others.

The production is directed and choreographed by Parker Esse, with music direction by Ben McNaboe and associate music direction by Jacob Stebly. Associate Choreographer/Dance Captain is Alfie Parker, Jr. Costume design is by Madison Queen, light design by Jesse Klug, set design by Kyle Dixon, sound design by Shannon Slaton, video/projections by Luis Garcia, and wig design by Kevin S. Foster II. The production stage manager is Amy Bertacini. Director/Choreographer Parker Esse followed his passion to the other side of the creative table as director/choreographer after performing on Broadway, in national tours, and regionally. He is a multiple Helen Hayes and CT Critics Circle nominee and the 2010 Helen Hayes Winner for Best Choreography for Arena Stage’s “Oklahoma!” Mr. Esse has served as director/choreographer for “Crazy for You” and “West Side Story” at the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival and served as associate choreographer for Broadway’s “Finian’s Rainbow” and “A Tale of Two Cities;” as well as five productions for New York City Center Encores!

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at msmt.org or by calling the box office at 207-725-8769. The production will feature both evening and matinee performances.