Highland Park Players Presents Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the McGrath Performing Arts Center

Anna Marie Abbate as Carole King

The Highland Park Players are proud to present the Tony Award-winning Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, running July 17–26 at the McGrath Performing Arts Center, located at 3461 Illinois Road in Wilmette. Performances will take place on July 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances on July 19, 25, and 26 at 2:00 p.m. 

Directed by Catherine Davis, Beautiful tells the inspiring true story of Carole King’s rise from teenage songwriter to one of the most celebrated solo artists in music history. Featuring beloved hits including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and many more, the musical celebrates the soundtrack of a generation. 

“I am thoroughly thrilled to be returning to Highland Park Players, having directed twenty-five HPP productions in the past,” says Catherine Davis, Director. “I am especially excited for audiences to experience the incredible story and the chart-topping music Carole King wrote both for legendary artists and for herself.” 

The production stars Anna Marie Abbate as Carole King, alongside Al Katz-Mariani as Gerry Goffin, Britain Shutters as Cynthia Weil, Roberto Mata as Barry Mann, Robin Treviño as Don Kirschner, and Kim Buck as Genie Klein. The Drifters are portrayed by Korey White, Kenny Miller, and Aaron Armstrong, as well as The Shirelles, portrayed by Arlecia Stapleton (Shirley), Destynee Rashanique, Maya Owens (Janelle Woods), Sydney Aku Wurapa, and Asia Posey (Little Eva). The ensemble also features Joe Dennis, Peter Moeller, Aaron Paul, Vanessa Vuckovic, Natalie Rae, Maddie McDowell, Amanda Walsh, Danielle Piccolomini, Henry Gessner, and Gav Casillas. 

The production team includes Bradley A. Rose (Producer), Scott A. Schwartz (Producer), Richard Doppelt (Producer), Catherine Davis (Director), Anna Wegener (Music Director), Annie Snow (Choreographer), Todd D. Bulmash (Assistant Director), Chris Morgan (Technical Director/Stage Manager), Joe Brhel (Set Designer), Daniel Melendez (Sound Designer/Operator), Kurt Ottinger (Lighting Designer), Jason Clark (Set Builder), Vicki Jablonski (Costumer), Britt-Marie Sivertsen (Intimacy Coordinator), and Sarah Tilford (Marketing/Social Media). 

“Our 2026 season is ending on a high note with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical," says Producer Scott A. Schwartz. "After our award-winning production of RENT last year, this year and a sold-out run of The Lion King KIDS earlier this year, we're thrilled to bring audiences this uplifting and inspiring story centered around one of music's most iconic songwriters." 

Visit Highland Park Players online at www.highlandparkplayers.org, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. 

About the Highland Park Players 

Highland Park Players is a non-profit organization, the purpose of which is to enrich, educate, and entertain our community by providing area residents with the opportunity to attend and participate in a superior theatre experience. 

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