Eight times a week, Chicago actress Abby Mueller portrays the great songwriter Carole King in the national touring production of "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical."
Mueller joins us to speak about the real Carole King and the very musical Mueller family of Evanston. She'll also perform some classic Carole King songs live in our studio.
Below, some highlights from our conversation with Mueller.
Portraying somebody who has been in the public eye for so many years, how much of yourself do you bring to the role and how much is informed from Carole King herself?
“This role is a kind of a unique challenge and a huge honor to get to play a legend—and a living legend. So I think what’s really key with this show, is you can’t be Carole, and no one will be Carole. So it’s really about creating an interpretation rather than an impersonation for all of us in a show that play real people. So there’s definitely a lot of myself in it—because I am me—and figuring out the Abby-to-Carole ratio has been really fun.”
What did you learn about Carole King from doing this show?
“She’s an incredible lady and has had such an amazing journey. I love her. I’ve loved learning about her and I think what has struck me the most is her resisliance and her positivity. In the face of hardship and trial she’s retain this sense of joy, which I think you hear in her music despite the heartbreak and the breakup, there’s this thread of positivity that still runs through it.”
How many times have you met her?
“I have met her twice now. We got to perform together on “The Today Show” in August, back when I was in rehearsal. She said, ‘Enjoy the music and don’t forget to recognize the band,’ because it’s about the ensemble, you know, we’re all in it together, we’re all part of the team.”
Did it make you think twice about auditioning for the role knowing that your sister had achieved such acclaim on Broadway for creating the role and winning an Emmy?
“It absolutely did. And then I had some people close to me say, ‘Well, why don’t you try to look at this as objectively as you can. It’s an amazing role on an amazing tour.’”
How would you describe your relationship with your sister growing up?
“We have a great relationship and have been close our whole lives. And we both really respect each other as artists and as people. She’s been great about this whole thing and very supportive, and it’s just been such a wacky adventure that neither of us would ever have thought we would probably be on—it’s such a gift. We’re just so grateful that we get to play Carole King.”
Watch the video to hear the full discussion and see Mueller perform the song, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow."
Abby Mueller (“Carole King”), Becky Gulsvig (“Cynthia Weil”), Ben Fankhauser (“Barry Mann”) and Liam Tobin (“Gerry Goffin”). (Joan Marcus photo) Abby Mueller as Carole King. (Joan Marcus photo) Left to right: Curt Bouril (“Don Kirshner”), Ben Fankhauser (“Barry Mann”), Abby Mueller (“Carole King”) and Becky Gulsvig (“Cynthia Weil”). (Joan Marcus photo) Abby Mueller (“Carole King”) and Liam Tobin (“Gerry Goffin”). (Joan Marcus photo) Left to right: Liam Tobin (“Gerry Goffin”), Abby Mueller (“Carole King”), Ben Fankhauser (“Barry Mann”) and Becky Gulsvig (“Cynthia Weil”). (Joan Marcus photo) Abby Mueller as Carole King. Background, left to right: Britney Coleman, Sarah Bockel and Ashley Blanchet. (Joan Marcus photo)
"Beautiful: The Carole King Musical"
• Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St.
• Performances continue through Feb. 21, 2016
• No shows Mondays and holidays
• Tickets: $52-$132 via Ticketmaster
• Visit the official show website for more touring dates
Below, clips from "Beautiful" with Mueller performing as King.
