Friendship and Music in ‘Moonlight’s Wonderful ‘Beautiful’
Melissa Musial (photos courtesy of Karli Cadel).
Following a prologue, set in Carole’s (Melissa Musial) 1971 Carnegie Hall Concert, the plot flashbacks to Brooklyn, 1958. As a college student, Carole tries to create popular music. After she falls for the equally skilled lyricist, Gerry Goffin (Brandon Keith Rogers), they begin to collaborate on numerous hit songs like “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Take Good Care of My Baby,” and “Up on the Roof.”
While their relationship grows, they begin to spend more time with Barry (Bryan Banville) and Cynthia (Allison Spratt Pearce). Friendly competition inspires Carole’s buddies to write classic tunes such as “On Broadway” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.”
Douglas McGrath’s book celebrates the power of melodies with humor and optimism. Several scenes depict the enthusiasm that Carole, Barry, and Cynthia get from the songwriting process.
His writing explores darker territory once Carole and Gerry are married. McGrath’s portrayal of the couple’s flawed relationship is nuanced and does not simplify the issues that they faced.
Director and choreographer, John Vaughan, pays tribute to singers and band members that contributed with Carole, Gerry, Barry, and Cynthia. His musical segments focusing on The Drifrters, The Shirelles, and The Righteous Brothers are fun to watch because of the concert-esque atmosphere (Jim Zadai’s audio, Jennifer Edwards’ lighting, Blake McCarty’s projections, and Elan McMahan’s music direction greatly enhance group numbers), period-appropriate dance moves, and strong casting choices.
Musial authentically dramatizes Carole through dialogue and singing, and showcases the growing confidence of the legendary storyteller.
Brandon Keith Rogers, Melissa Musial, Bryan Banville, and Allison Spratt Pearce.
Most of the other company members have standout solo numbers with performers including Janaya Mahealani Jones, Anthony Vacio, Billy McGavin, Brooke Henderson, and Shirley Johnston each commanding the stage with their fantastic singing and dancing.
“The Beautiful Orchestra,” featuring keyboardist, McMahan, drummer, Don Kuhli, and guitarists, Nikko Nobleza and David Fung, captures the versatile music used throughout the evening.
McGrath, Vaughan, and the cast and crew of Beautiful honor the work of some of the best musical artists of the 1960’s. It is a big highlight of the 2024 summer season at Vista’s Moonlight Amphitheatre.
MUSICAL NUMBERS AND CAST AND CREW HERE
Show times are Wednesday through Sunday nights at 8:00 p.m.
A fan of theatre from a young age, David Dixon began writing reviews while in middle school, for Union Tribune’s Rated G column and sdcnn.com. He was the Entertainment Editor for SDSU’s The Daily Aztec. Currently, he contributes to San Diego Community News Network, a regional reviewer for Talkin’ Broadway, an interviewer for San Diego Theatre Reviews and has won several San Diego Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards. David is a San Diego Theatre Critics Circle member, an American Theatre Critics Association member & Regional Theatre Tony Award voter.