Drury Lane Theatre is thrilled to announce casting for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, a heartwarming journey through Carole King's inspirational life story, where her music shines as a beacon of hope and personal growth, playing January 29 – March 23, 2025. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical features a book by Douglas McGrath, words and music by Gerry Goffin, Carole King, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, with music by arrangement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. At the helm of Drury Lane Theatre's production is director Jane Lanier, who most recently directed and choreographed Drury Lane's hit production A Chorus Line. The press opening is scheduled for Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 7pm.

Witness the captivating story of Carole King's meteoric rise to stardom, from humble beginnings to her undeniable status as one of the most celebrated voices in popular music. With melodies such as "I Feel the Earth Move" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," this production weaves an emotional tapestry rich with nostalgia. Beautiful isn't just a musical, it's an immersive celebration of resilience, creativity, and the authentic spirit of a music legend.

The cast of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is led by Samantha Gershman (Broadway's Water for Elephants and A Beautiful Noise) in the role of Carole King and features Alex Benoit (Gerry Goffin), Andrew MacNaughton (Barry Mann), Alexandra Palkovic (Cynthia Weil), Michael Lawrence Brown (Donny Kirshner), and Rebekah Ward (Genie Klein), along with Averis Anderson, Ryan Michael Armstrong, Anna Louise Bramlett, Lydia Burke, Raeven Carrol, Maxwell J. DeTonge, Alley Ellis, Ian Geers, Emily Goldberg, Mackenzy Jenkins, Alanna Lovely, Chamaya Moody, Austin Nelson Jr., Nataki Rennie, Mitzi Smith, Michael Turrentine, and Rico Velazquez. 

The creative team includes Jane Lanier (director), Gerry McIntyre (choreographer), Carolyn Brady (musical director), Misha Kachman (scenic designer), Nicole Boylan (costume designer), Julie Mack (lighting designer), Stephanie Farina (co-sound designer), Sarah Ramos (co-sound designer), Anthony Churchill (projection designer), Kevin Foster (wig designer), Cassy Schillo (properties designer), Larry Baker (production stage manager).

All events take place at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. Single tickets for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical are on sale now and available by phone at (630) 530-0111 or online at www.drurylanetheatre.com. Groups of 10 or more can receive special group pricing.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is rated PG-13.

Fact Sheet / Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Title:                                                    Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Book by:                                              Douglas McGrath

Words and Music by:                      Gerry Goffin & Carole King and Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil

Music by Arrangement with:      Sony/ATV Music Publishing

Orchestrations, Vocal and

Incidental Music

Arrangements by:     Steve Sidwell

Originally Produced on

Broadway by: Paul Blake and Sony/ATV Music Publishing

Directed by:                                     Jane Lanier

Cast:                                                   

Samantha Gershman (Carole), Alex Benoit (Gerry Goffin), Andrew MacNaughton (Barry Mann), Alexandra Palkovic (Cynthia Weil), Michael Lawrence Brown (Donny Kirshner), and Rebekah Ward (Genie Klein) with Averis Anderson, Ryan Michael Armstrong, Anna Louise Bramlett, Lydia Burke, Raeven Carrol, Maxwell J. DeTonge, Alley Ellis, Ian Geers, Emily Goldberg, Mackenzy Jenkins, Alanna Lovely, Chamaya Moody, Austin Nelson Jr., Nataki Rennie, Mitzi Smith, Michael Turrentine, and Rico Velazquez. 

Creatives:                                          

Jane Lanier (director), Gerry McIntyre (choreographer), Carolyn Brady (musical director), Misha Kachman (scenic designer), Nicole Boylan (costume designer), Julie Mack (lighting designer), Stephanie Farina (co-sound designer), Sarah Ramos (co-sound designer), Anthony Churchill (projection designer), Kevin Foster (wig designer), Cassy Schillo (properties designer), Larry Baker (production stage manager).

Dates:                                                 January 29 – March 23, 2025

Press Opening:                              Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 7pm

Schedule:                                         Wednesdays and Thursdays: 1:30 p.m.

                                                            Thursdays: 7:00 p.m.

                                                            Fridays: 7:00 p.m.

                                                            Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

                                                            Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.                               

Location:                                            Drury Lane Theatre at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace

Tickets:                                              Tickets range from $53.00 - $125

Group discounts available to groups of 10 or more

Dining and show packages available

Senior discounts available

Box Office:       100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace; (630) 530-0111; Monday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm

or visit DruryLaneTheatre.com

Season and Membership Information

Currently on stage is the spellbinding Disney's The Little Mermaid (November 6, 2024 – January 12, 2025); and the inspiring true story Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (January 29, 2025 – March 23, 2025) will close out the 2024/25 season.

The 2025/2026 season includes the Chicago premiere of The Da Vinci Code (April 9 – June 1, 2025), a love letter to a country music icon in Always...Patsy Cline (June 11 - August 3, 2025); the riveting thriller Dial M for Murder (September 3 - October 26, 2025); the divine feel-good musical comedy Sister Act (November 12, 2025 - January 11, 2026) and the exhilarating music of the Miami Sound Machine in On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan (January 28 - March 22, 2026).

Drury Lane Theatre's performance schedule for the 2025/2026 season is as follows: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Five-show Memberships for the 2025/2026 season are now on sale with packages starting at $229.25 - over 50% savings compared to single ticket prices. This includes priority theatre seating, dining credits at Lucille Restaurant, exclusive presale opportunities, and much more. For more information, visit DruryLaneTheatre.com/Subscribe.

Group tickets start at $45 and Student group tickets start at just $35.35. On-site dining is available at Lucille Restaurant with convenient pre-show or post-show prix fixe menus. To book a group of 10 people or more, call Group Services at 630-570-7272 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Give the gift of Drury Lane! Gift certificates to Drury Lane can be purchased in any denomination, never expire, and can be used for performances, at Lucille Restaurant or for Drury Lane Events. Gift certificates can be purchased online at drurylanetheatre.com/gift-certificates or by calling the box office.

Dining and Special Events

Excellence isn't limited to the stage at Drury Lane! Before or after the show, theatergoers can indulge in delicious onsite dining at Lucille Restaurant featuring seasonal pre-fixe menus and an elevated atmosphere to complete their experience. Boasting over a century of collective expertise in hospitality, the dedicated team ensures that you will be cared for with freshly prepared meals, handcrafted cocktails, and exceptional service. At Drury Lane, everything is in one place, so you will never be late for your performance.

Special Drury Lane holiday offerings include Holiday Afternoon Tea, Breakfast, Brunch and Dinner with Santa, and special New Year's Eve packages to ring in 2025 in style. Special event packages in conjunction with Disney's The Little Mermaid will also be available. All dining events are on sale at lucillerestaurant.com.

About Drury Lane Theatre  

Built from scratch. Built in Oakbrook. Built for you. 

Founded by Anthony DeSantis over 70 years ago, Drury Lane remains a family-run organization under the leadership of President Kyle DeSantis. Drury Lane Theatre continues as a major force in the Chicagoland theatre scene, producing world-class theatre in collaboration with some of the nation's leading actors, directors, and creative minds. Drury Lane Theatre produces the highest quality theatrical experience that immerses and supports our artists and audiences in the exploration of what it means to be human and to experience the transcending power of the performing and visual arts. Drury Lane strives to create an environment in which every individual or group is welcomed, respected, supported, valued and able to fully experience and participate in this transformative art form. 

The theatre has staged more than 2,000 productions and has been nominated for over 360 Joseph Jefferson Awards. Drury Lane proudly employs thousands of professional actors, musicians, designers, and crew members to entertain upwards of nine million audience members and counting.