After an 18 month hiatus, BEAUTIFUL – The Carole King Musical is back on the road and headed to Springfield! We asked some of the cast members about life on the road, what it’s like to tour with such an iconic show, and what audiences can expect. First up, get to know Danielle Herbert who plays Lucille and one of the Shirelles in the show.

DANIELLE HERBERT (Ensemble) Delighted to be part of this tour! TV credits include: Orange is the New Black; The Sinner. Broadway credits: After Midnight (Standby/understudy for: Fantasia Barrino, K.D Lang, Toni Braxton, Vanessa Williams, Patti LaBelle, Adriane Lenox). Music credits: back-up singer for Grammy-winner, Jill Scott. For more info: danielleherbert.com.

What was your path to becoming a professional actor?

Well, I started as a ballet dancer from the time I was 3. Then I got into singing in musicals when I auditioned on a whim, as a teenager. I booked the lead female role and kept performing in musicals ever since. I eventually started auditioning for tv and film and booking roles in that medium, too.

What was the audition process like for this show?

For this show, I had to self-tape about 4 songs, including a dance combo to the “Locomotion.” Then, I got a callback for the role of one of the “Shirelles.” I came into the city and learned another dance combo, and read for the part of Lucille, as well. Shortly afterward, I learned that I had booked the show.

What’s your favorite part about touring the country with BEAUTIFUL?

I love that I get to experience exciting new places with a great group of amazingly talented people.

What has it been like to return to the stage after a nearly two-year break?

It’s been a relief to return to performing. That’s where I belong-on a stage of some sort. And when I’m not engaged in that way I’m not as happy as I’d like to be.

What do you enjoy most about performing BEAUTIFUL every night?

Beyond just hearing great uplifting music throughout the show, I have a ball during bows every single night because the audience is always up on their feet singing along with us to “I Feel the Earth Move (Under My Feet)” and so it’s like a huge celebration of Carole’s music, almost like a rock concert; it’s incredibly uplifting, and I just love it!

What’s something that will surprise audiences about this show?

I think audiences will be surprised by the body of Carole king’s work, not just for herself but for others artists like the Shirelles and the Drifters. I think they will be surprised by how grounded a person she was and still is.

Favorite Carole King song?

My favorite Carole king song is “It’s Too Late.”

What item can’t you live without while on tour?

I think I would go nuts without all of my travel kitchen appliances, which includes my mini cooking grill, my hot plate, my coffee maker and my blender. Sorry, I can’t narrow it down to just one!

If you weren’t an actor, what profession would you pursue?

If I wasn’t an actor I would probably be a Physical Therapist.

Dream role?

My dream role is to perform myself in a show I wrote for my father, the late Gregory Herbert – A jazz musician who played with Duke Ellington when he was 17.

 

See Danielle and the rest of the company of BEAUTIFUL on stage at Juanita K. Hammons Hall December 3-5. Tickets are available online, by calling 417-836-7678, or by visiting the Hammons Hall box office. See you at the show!