Returning actress Elizabeth Nestlerode captures essence in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”

Elizabeth Nestlerode and Nikita Burshteyn perform during a dress rehearsal of, “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” on the MainStage at Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Photo by Kevin Montano for Proctors Collaborative

Capital Repertory Theatre shares intimate story of Carole King’s life

ALBANY—Before rehearsals even began, lead actress Elizabeth Nestlerode spent months preparing for the titular role in the summer musical at Capital Repertory Theatre and audiences are noticing the hard work.

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” tells the story of how Brooklyn girl Carole King became a chart-topping music legend featuring a stunning cast of over 15 performers.

Nestlerode, originally from the Seattle area, is based out of New York City and said, “it’s always an honor, and a little intimidating, to play a real person, especially a person who’s alive because you want to do them justice in every possible way.”

To prepare for the role of the talented songwriter, Nestlerode said she read both her memoirs, and several biographies, and watched documentaries and video footage of interviews and concerts.

“We are capturing her essence and letting what we know about her inform it, but then still making sure that I’m bringing myself to the role. Then [Carole is] also an amazing pianist and I play piano, so I’m making sure I have that part ready to go,” Nestlerode said.

The story travels over 12 years and features over two dozen pop classics, including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “Up on the Roof,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow.” Audience members will find themselves surprised at the depth of songs King contributed too.

“Carole is a bit unsung in how much she influenced future generations,” Nestlerode said. “I’m not sure at the time she even knew how much she was doing because she was so devoted to being a good songwriter, first and foremost.”

Directed by Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” at theREP is a showstopping experience. As a producing theatre, theREP spent weeks tirelessly teching (building) the popular show from scratch.

“One of the wonderful things about theREP is the intimacy that this 300-and-something seat thrust stage can provide. You’re really up close and personal with us! You’re seeing us singing and playing instruments and you’re not at a distance,” Nestlerode added.

“The amount of time that we’re given to actually put the show together is really helpful, and it feels like [theREP is] really honoring their artists and designers in every capacity. By giving us the time to really craft something beautiful, it allows us to do so. The show is well titled in that way,” Nestlerode said.

“It’s amazing. … Everyone’s bringing such heart and humor. The script is quite good. It’s very funny, it’s very smart and it’s also got a lot of heart in it,” she added.

Nestlerode debuted at theREP in 2019 in the winter production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and starred as Darlene in “Honky Tonk Angels” last summer. She said, “I always keep my eyes open for what’s happening at theREP and where I might fit in, because it is a lovely place to work. They take such good care of us, and it is such a treat to return.”

“Beautiful” began Tuesday, July 16 and is running until Sunday, August 18. Visit the Box Office at Proctors in-person or via phone at (518) 346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or visit attherep.org for tickets.

Capital Repertory Theatre is a part of Proctors Collaborative.