Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...It might be an oxymoron to call a toe-tapping and funny musical gripping, but “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” playing at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre is just that."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...This captivating play shows the inspiring journey of a young woman who battles her way into the competitive music industry. As a teenager, she faces multiple challenges and setbacks, yet her unwavering determination and passion triumph over the pain. Along the way, she discovers that life doesn't always go according to plan, but sometimes, unexpected paths lead to beautiful outcomes. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is a feel-good story and a testament to the power of resilience, perseverance, and the century's amazing songwriter Carole King, who has left the world a little better with her songs and music."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...For many of us, seeing a play for a second or third time is not a chore. In fact, if you listen to my radio show, you know that I feel that every production is unique and thta every director has his or her own interpretation of the script, making each and every production unique. Tonight, at The paramount Theatre in Aurora, we saw a magical production of "Beautiful: The Carole King Story" that will knock your socks off!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This magnificent production is quite simply, "Some Kind of Wonderful!" It's a joyous, magical musical, from beginning to end. Everyone, no matter their age, will leave the theatre singing. In the tradition of so many other superb Paramount productions, the stellar directing team of Johanna McKenzie Miller and Jim Corti have once again crafted an excellent show that brings out the best in each performer. Starring a cast of more than two dozen talented triple-threats, and featuring a score of beloved songs from the past, Paramount Theatre has created an entertaining, much-deserved tribute to one of America's finest musical artists. Welcome to an evening of pure joy!"
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...Beautiful features all of these songs and many more. If you thought King’s career began with “It’s Too Late,” this show will throw you for a loop and rewire your entire understanding of the music of that era."
Chicago Culture Authority - Highly Recommended
"...For me, the experience of seeing Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is marked by a lot of dumbfounded head shaking as I again and again think, wow, another landmark pop hit produced by King and Gerry Goffin (or, alternately, by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, King and Goffin’s best friends and the songwriting team they competed with in Don Kirshner’s 1960s hit factory in Times Square). From a powerhouse song standpoint, this is one of the best jukebox musicals going, where the chart toppers range from “One Fine Day” to “Natural Woman.”"
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"..."Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" is a captivating and heartwarming celebration of one of the most talented songwriters in American music history. This Broadway sensation takes audiences on a compelling journey through the life and career of Carole King, offering a blend of captivating performances, an evocative storyline, and, of course, unforgettable music. For those of us of a certain age, these songs are a formative soundtrack to our lives. And as presented by the Paramount's capable cast and orchestra, the trip down musical memory lane is a pure delight."
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...The earth moved. The current production at the Paramount Theatre is Beautiful, the Carole King Musical. This is more than a jukebox musical. It tells the amazing story of one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century and how her story evolved."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...With the abundantly talented Tiffany Topol as King, backed by a great cast, the new production of “Beautiful” at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre is irresistible—the audience was helpless before it. There are so many great songs, wonderfully performed, and an emotionally resonant story of a gifted woman shedding a selfish man and making her own way."