Murrayville resident will play the lead role in Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.”
Starting Thursday, June 8, the play follows the journey of Carole King as she rises to stardom. The audience will experience the highs and lows of her career, from her teens to her successful platinum album Tapestry.
Music and theatre has been a large part of Kaylee Harwood’s life, who is playing King.
With a major in dance, she competed several times in the U.S. and in B.C.
“I was incredibly driven and wanted to soak up everything about this art form,” Harwood said.
She was first intrigued by the diverse community of artists, but as her professional career took off, Harwood also appreciates how transformative theatre can be.
“It can entertain, impress, and delight people but it can also teach, inform, and help us practice empathy,” she said.
Harwood spent two years performing on the Broadway National Tour for this production across Canada and the U.S., and she is enjoying re-acquainting herself with the show in her hometown of Langley.
“I love living inside of Carole’s optimism and drive. She believes in her skills and works incredibly hard, all while trying to carve out the stable home life she craves.”
King never set out to be a star, or a solo recording artist. Her main passion was to write songs that moved people, Harwood explained.
“It’s such a great journey to go on as she finds her own voice and power.”
“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” runs until Aug. 6 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage located at 2750 Granvile St. in Vancouver.
“I think it’s so special when an audience of strangers gather together in the dark to go on a journey. I believe the sweet spot of theatre is in the exchange between artists and audiences,” Harwood said.
Tickets can be bought online at artsclub.com.
After this production, Harwood is directing a concert series at Koerner Hall in Toronto, and headlining a concert with the Niagara Symphony Orchestra with her partner.
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