CAROLE KING’S STORY: Jennifer Fischer of Hamilton as Carole King in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, running September 22 to October 1 at the Kelsey Theatre on Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor campus.

Mercer County Community College’s Kelsey Theatre and Playful Theatre Productions will be kicking off the 2023-24 season with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, September 22 to October 1.

The Tony- and Grammy-winning production tells the inspiring true story of singer/songwriter Carole King. It follows her rise from a teenage songwriter to her role as part of a hit songwriting team with her husband, Gerry Goffin, to one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The story is told through a narrative and classic songs that span generations.

From hits King wrote for James Taylor and Aretha Franklin to her own success as a solo artist, the show includes more than two dozen chart toppers such as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “Up on the Roof,” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow.”

“Kelsey’s 2023-24 season is all about leading ladies, and there can be no doubt that Carole King is the leading lady of popular music from the 60s, 70s, even today,” said M. Kitty Getlik, artistic director at Kelsey Theatre. “We are thrilled to kick off the new Kelsey Theatre season with such a high-energy, upbeat production that will leave the entire audience with a smile on their face and a song in their heart.”

Performances are Friday, September 22 and 29 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, September 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, September 24 and October 1 at 2 p.m. (The October 1 performance is sold out). Tickets are $30 and available at kelseytheatre.net or (609) 570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is located on the campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor.