For the first time, King stepped into the title role and performed the show’s final moment, which recreates her 1971 Carnegie Hall concert, and sang “Beautiful” at the piano. When the audience recognized the music legend, they leapt to their feet with many singing along.
King then joined the cast during the curtain call, making her bow alongside Chilina Kennedy, who currently plays the famed musician. King and the cast subsequently performed the show’s encore, “I Feel The Earth Move.”
King said in a statement, “What a night! It was amazing to be a part of this. This musical has been such a magical experience. To be here and celebrate our fifth anniversary with so much joy and love is amazing.”
Producers Paul Blake and Mike Bosner added, “We were thrilled to have Carole join us last night to celebrate five years of Beautiful. This show has been an experience unlike any other. Our eternal gratitude to Douglas McGrath, Marc Bruni, and the entire creative team, cast, and crew who have entertained, excited, and enchanted over 2,000,000 people on Broadway.”
Beautiful opened on Broadway January 13, 2014.
