It was no surprise that a musical about the one-and-only Carole King was a smashing success on Broadway, and now this hit musical takes the stage in Peoria with some of the area’s finest talent. Director Bryan Blanks jumped at the chance to tackle this challenging and diverse show. Blanks stated, “I listen to music as much as the day allows, and over the years Carole was a staple in my overplayed selections. I love her unique sound and ability to tap into storytelling so effortlessly.”  Playing the role of Carole is local actress, Sarah Mayo. Blanks previously directed Sarah in Oklahoma as Laurie in 2011 and the two have collaborated on many projects throughout the years. Sarah is also the co-music director of the show. Blanks found it was important to cast a Carole who was a true musician, and there are many times throughout the show Sarah is actually playing the piano live on stage. Blanks added, “Sarah brings such a genuine and loveable quality to this role that is both true to who Carole truly was, but also pours a bit of her unique self into the part. Sarah’s performance is truly something to be seen.”

With that said, the rest of the cast is stacked with talent that rounds out this show “Beautifully.” Kates Sitton and her husband, Adam, play the real-life married couple, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. Brian Haas plays Gerry Goffin, with Bruce Colligan as Don Kirshner. The show will also have a full live band led by Maggie Sloter.
 
This is a fairly small cast; however, the costumes, set and energy make this a larger-than-life production. The costumes are designed by Jill Moritz and Darah Hannan with set designed by Julie Wasson and John Goodell as lead builder, the same build design team that brought you Little Shop of Horrors at PPT last fall and Bridges of Madison County at Corn Stock. Beautiful is show that may bring you to tears at moments, but ultimately leaves you wanting to get out of your seat and dance and sing to the final number. Come Feel the Earth Move Under Your Feet with this fantastic opening show playing September 8-10 and 14-17. Tickets are on sale now at peoriaplayers.org or by calling the box office at 309-688-4473.
 
Additional cast members include The Drifters (Brandes Cayson, Brian Smith, Carlton Bell, Caleb Pearson), The Shirelles (Ayana Thompson, DeRosa Crawford, Ziyahni Duncan, Domonique Adams). Other cast members include: Trish Ballard, Kate Wiegardt, Lindsey Ropp, Sue Krummel, Joshua Regan, Caden Mills, Tyler Weaver, Heather Smith, Gwen Crawford, Leigh and David Hager, Lorelei Lawson, Sally Stevenson, Jerimiah Pinkins, Nathan Rodriguez, Cary Rumba and Delaney Taylor.
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