Before she was hit-maker Carole King —she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing, trailblazing success with Tapestry,Beautiful: The Carole King Musical takes you back to where it all began and takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Beautiful is the inspiring tale about a girl who became King with a stirring book by the late Oscar and Tony-nominated Douglas McGrath and the music and lyrics of icons Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Featuring such unforgettable classics as "You've Got a Friend", "One Fine Day", "So Far Away", "Take Good Care of My Baby", "Up on the Roof", "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling", "Will You Love Me Tomorrow", and "Natural Woman", this Tony^®and Grammy^®Award-winning musical phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember and a story you'll never forget.

Available Roles‍

All gender identities listed reflect the characters as written. Performers of all races, ethnicities, gender expressions, sexualities, body types, and abilities are encouraged to audition.

Principal Roles

Carole King (Born Carol Klein) $350 stipend
An aspiring singer/songwriter going from schoolgirl to superstar. An unassuming, appealing, funny and vulnerable girl from a Jewish family in Brooklyn. Seeking powerful, distinctive voice that can replicate Carole King’s. Needs to convincingly act as if she is playing the piano, making piano skills necessary. Character Age Range: 16–late 20s. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano (G3–E5)  

Gerry Goffin $200 Stipend
Carole’s boyfriend, songwriting partner and eventual husband. Magnetic personality, appealing, passionate, ambitious and sympathetic. Seeking an actor with a wide range of emotions and is a strong singer. Character Age Range: 18–30s Vocal Range: Baritone (B2–A4)

Cynthia Weil $200 Stipend
Carole’s best friend and fellow songwriter. She is sophisticated, smart, chic, likable, with a quick wit and comic timing. She and Barry Mann form the other half of the famous songwriting duo who are both rivals and friends to Carole and Gerry. Seeking a strong singer who can belt. Character Age Range: 18–30s Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano (E3–E5)

Barry Mann  $200 Stipend
Cynthia’s songwriting partner (and eventual husband). He is good natured, appealing, endearing and a hypochondriac. Seeking a strong comedic actor with a strong voice. Character Age Range: 18–30s. Vocal Range: Tenor (C3–A4)

The Drifters $200 Stipend each
Smooth 4-person male soul / R&B group  

The Shirelles $200 Stipend each
Glamorous 4-person girl soul group

Donny Kirshner
‍An influential music publisher and producer. Smart, authoritative, and a mentor to the young songwriters. Seeking a strong actor. Mostly speaking role; occasionally joins ensemble. Character Age Range: 30s–50s. Vocal Range: Baritone (A2–C4)

Genie Klein
‍Carole’s strong-willed, practical, Jewish mother. A realist who’s both protective and proud of her daughter. Provides humor and grounded wisdom. Mostly speaking role; occasionally joins ensemble. Character Age Range: 40s–60s. Vocal Range: Alto (G3–C5)

Featured Ensemble

• ‍Little Eva - age 16, Soul / pop / R&B singer (may also be in The Shirelle’s)‍
• Righteous Brothers - Singing duo‍
• Janell Woods - A pop singer in the 1960s‍
• Lou Adler - American record and film producer‍
• Neil Sadaka - American singer, songwriter, and pianist‍
• Bobby Vee - American singer who was a teen idol in the early 1960s‍
• Marilyn  Wald - A fictional singer‍
• Lucille - Don Kirshner’s secretary (fictional)‍
• Betty - Carole’s childhood friend (fictional)‍
• Nick - A stage manager (fictional)

Various other (fictional) ensemble roles

• Music executives, recording artists, stagehands, concert goers, announcer.

• Understudies and swings will be cast from the ensemble.
• All auditioners must submit a dramatic reading video of the appropriate sides contained within this PDF Document.

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Our Commitment

Highland Park Players is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome performers of all backgrounds and identities.

Questions?

Email: BeautifulHPP2026@gmail.com