Missouri State University’s Tent Theatre tradition opens its 62nd season June 6 with “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.”

Performances are 8 p.m. June 6-8 and June 10-15 at the John Goodman Amphitheatre.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office, by phone or mail and online.

Telling the story of a musical legend

Directed by Lysa Fox, “Beautiful” recounts the journey of legendary songwriter Carole King from struggling musician to stardom.

The musical features more than two dozen of King’s hits from the 1960s and 1970s, including songs from her groundbreaking album, “Tapestry.”

“I don’t think people really understand what a force Carole King really is,” Fox said. “She had a huge career before she became a household name when she released the ‘Tapestry’ album. That’s what this musical is about—how she started and her relationship, personally and artistically, with Gerry Goffin.”

Showcasing MSU talent

Tent Theatre has always presented the opportunity to showcase the best of MSU’s theatrical, dance and musical talent, and “Beautiful” rises to the occasion.

“The investment of this team and cast for this show has been overwhelming and truly amazing,” Fox said.

Heartfelt rendition of the artist’s experience

Fox explained that telling King’s story resonates personally with most of the cast.

“Something shifts when you are portraying real stories of real humans—there’s a layer of obligation that takes the storytelling to a new level,” Fox said. “We’ve had a powerful experience telling this story of a truly phenomenal artist.”

“As a company that believes in the artist’s journey as well creating a positive experience for an audience, doing this show about an artist with the kind of legacy that Carole King has feels so appropriate for Tent,” Fox added.

Leave humming a tune or two

Fox thinks audiences will be enjoy learning more about the depth and breadth of King’s artistic impact.

“I think people will likely be surprised at some of the very recognizable songs that they will hear in this show that they did not know Carole King wrote,” she explained. “Many of them are a total bop, and others sit on your heart.”

“Carole King lives—quite literally—in what she has brought to the American popular music canon,” she added. “I hope the audiences leave humming a tune and are inspired to look her up to listen to more—or listen to their favorite song again.”

Fox also hopes audiences leave with a greater appreciation and understanding of the deeply personal imprint King has left on her music.

“Putting words and notes on a page for the listener to have an experience often comes from a very personal place for the artist doing that work,” Fox said. “It often costs something emotionally.”

“If you’re not a Carole King fan before you come to the show, my guess is that you’ll be one when you leave.”

Get Tent Tickets

“Mystic Pizza” and “Crimes of the Heart” are also part of this year’s production lineup.

Photo provided by Mark Templeton.