Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Cast

CHARACTER                                                                                                      ACTOR
Drifter/Ensemble..........................................................................................................Elisha Black
Marilyn Wald/Ensemble/Understudy Carol........................................Gracie Brantley*
Drifter/Ensemble.................................................................................................Baron L. Clay, Jr.
Barry Mann......................................................................................................Brendan Considine*
Genie/Ensemble.........................................................................................................Rylee Coppel**
Ensemble/Drifters Cover.....................................................................K'nique Eichelberger
Neil Sedaka/Righteous Brother/Lou Adler/
Ensemble/ Understudy Barry and Gerry........................................... Cody Elsensohn*
Janelle Woods/Shirelle/Ensemble.......................................................Brietta Goodman*
Lucille (Don's Secretary)/Shirelle/
One Fine Day Backup Singer/Ensemble......................................................Kayla Green
Carole King.....................................................................................................................  Eliza Knode*
Cynthia Weil................................................................................................................. Kyra McKillip*
Drifter/Ensemble.........................................................................................................Clyde Moser
Be Bop A Lula Guy/Ensemble/Cover Don.................................... William Rutowski
Little Eva/Shirelle/One Fine Day Backup Singer/
Ensemble.............................................................................................................. Ariana Snowden
Gerry Goffin................................................................................................... Dominick Ventrella*
Don Kirshner.................................................................................................................Colin Waters**
Drifter/Ensemble................................................................................................... Eddie Weaver*
Betty/Ensemble/Understudy Cynthia.................................................. Chloë Wendler*
Nick/Righteous Brother/
Bobby Vee/Ensemble ........................................................................Matthew Willingham
Shirelle/One Fine Day Backup Singer/Uptown Singer/
Ensemble................................................................................................................ Jhonika Wright*

*Member, Charleston Stage Resident Acting Company
** Member, Charleston Stage Acting Ensemble

CAST BIOGRAPHIES 

ELISHA BLACK (Drifter/Ensemble)
Elisha is ecstatic to be returning to Charleston Stage for Beautiful! He was last seen in Once on this Island as Agwe during Dock Street’s 45th Season! He would like to thank all of his friends and family for supporting his dreams throughout the years! When he’s not performing he’s shipping candles for a local company, Candlefish/Rewined, and he suggests visiting the storefront off King Street for yourself! He can’t wait for you to see this amazing show! 

GRACIE BRANTLEY (Marilyn Wald/Ensemble/Understudy Carol)
Gracie is thrilled to be a member of Charleston Stage’s Resident Acting Company for their 46th season! Originally from Tennille, GA, Gracie studied acting at Columbus State University where she graduated with a BFA in Theatre Performance. She has most recently been seen on the Dock Street stage in The Trip to Bountiful (Thelma), Clue (Ensemble), The Prom (Alyssa Greene) and The Lightning Thief (Silena/Charon). Keep up with Gracie through Instagram @gracierbrantley. 

BARON CLAY (Drifter/Ensemble)
Baron is so excited to be apart of the Charleston Stage family and perform at the historic Dock Street Theater for the second time. You saw him last as “the God of Death” in “Once On This Island”. He would like to thank his husband Chad, kiddos Ry and ZoZo, and his fur babies Harley and Scout for their patience and love.

BRENDAN CONSIDINE (Barry Mann)
Brendan is absolutely stoked to join Charleston Stage! Brendan is originally from Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey. He recently made his Charleston Stage debut as Grover in The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical. Previous credits include Merrily We Roll Along (Charley Kringas), Crazy for You (Sam), Bright Star (u/s Jimmy and Billy), Legally Blonde. He recently graduated with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina last May. Brendan was also a member of the Inclusive Theatre Club at CCU. He feels extremely lucky to have the support of his family and friends and could never have made it here without them. Chants up. Instagram: @brendan_considine

RYLEE COPPEL (Genie/Ensemble)
Rylee is the Director of Education and Engagement at Charleston Stage. Rylee has performed regionally and internationally with such companies as; Sesame Street Live, Woodloch Pines Resort, Joey Casella Productions, Roxy Regional Theatre, and RWS and Associates. Charleston Stage credits include: Kinky Boots (Pat), Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts), The Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night-Time (Judy), Mamma Mia! (Donna), White Christmas (Tessie/Mrs. Snoringman), Sister Act (Sister Mary Patrick), and Avenue Q (Ensemble). Big thanks to the Charleston Stage family and her husband Ben and daughter Vivian for their support!

K'NIQUE EICHELBERGER (Ensemble/Drifters Cover)
K’nique is originally from Columbia, South Carolina but moved to Brevard, North Carolina where he earned a B.A. in Music and Theatre. He is so excited to be performing with Charleston Stage again. He recently choreographed The Christmas Carol. His recent acting credits include: Once On This Island (Daniel), The Play That Goes Wrong (Perkins), Kinky Boots (Lola), The Last Five Years (Jamie), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II), Into The Woods (Jack), Streetcar Named Desire (Stanley) and more. He is very thankful for his friends and family who have supported him throughout the years. K’nique is so excited to change lives through creating art at Charleston Stage! Stay tuned on Instagram @nique_tg3

CODY ELSENSOHN (Neil Sedaka/Righteous Brother/Lou Adler/Ensemble/Understudy Barry and Gerry)

BRIETTA GOODMAN (Janelle Woods/Shirelle/Ensemble)
Brietta (she/they) is feeling bittersweet about her last mainstage show with CS and is beyond grateful to be a part of this production! She was last seen as Beverly Jenkins in Chicken & Biscuits, Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs. Tabor in A Christmas Carol, Miss Scarlet in Clue: On Stage, Clarisse/Mrs.Dodds in The Lightning Thief, Mrs. Hawkins in Treasure Island, Asaka in Once on This Island, Charlotte in Charlotte's Web, and the Flapper Ancestor in The Addams Family! Originally from Horn Lake, Mississippi, she received a A.A. in Theatre from Northwest Mississippi Community College and is a recent graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi with a B.A. in Theatre with credits including Cathy Haitt in The Last Five Years, Bunny in Detroit '67, and Lucy Grant in Bright Star. She is so grateful for this opportunity and the support she has received from her friends and family going on this new journey! Stay Connected: @b.goodman on Instagram!

KAYLA GREEN (Lucille (Don's Secretary)/Shirelle/One Fine Day Backup Singer/Ensemble)
Kayla is thrilled to back for another season at Charleston Stage. She recently worked with Charleston Stage on Native Gardens as Tania Del Valle. When Kayla is not performing on the stage, she will always be sitting in a cafe with a book in her hand, enjoying her daily cold brew. She wants to thank her family, especially, her big sister, CeeJ and her friends for being apart her personal fan club and always keep her humble. IG: @kayla.elise_

ELIZA KNODE (Carole King) 
Eliza is excited to return to Charleston Stage as a Resident Actor for their 46th Season! Some of her previous CS credits include: The Addams Family (Morticia), JFK & Inga Binga (Inga Arvad), and The Lightning Thief (Sally Jackson). Eliza is the daughter of a diplomat and had a unique upbringing. She grew up in Malaysia, Japan, Hungary, Long Island, and Brazil. She went on to earn her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Miami. Eliza would like to extend love and gratitude to her family, friends, and teachers around the globe who support her. Website: elizaknode.com / Instagram: @eliza.knode  

KYRA MCKILLIP (Cynthia Well)
Kyra (she/her/hers) is absolutely elated to be surrounded by her Charleston Stage family as she finishes off her season as a Resident Actor! She recently graduated from West Virginia University with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre with a minor in Entertainment Media. Some of her favorite past roles are Junie B. Jones in Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder, Alice in Bright Star, Ms. Gardner in Carrie The Musical, and Eva Peron in EVITA. She is incredibly grateful to her family and friends for their endless support. Thank you to everyone who made this year so memorable and for allowing Charleston to become a second home. Stay Connected: kyramckillipofficial.com / Instagram: @K.yraleigh

CLYDE MOSER (Drifter/Ensemble)
Clyde (he/him) is a Charleston-based educator, director, and performer. He has performed in many shows around Charleston and New York. He is the Communications and Advocacy Board Member for the South Carolina Chapter of the International Thespian Society and the current Theatre Director at Wando High School. His credits include; The Prom, Wild Party, The Full Monty, Once on this Island, Addams Family, RENT, A Chorus Line, and the New York Summer Play Festival.

WILLIAM RUTOWSKI (Be Bop A Lula Guy/Ensemble/Cover Don)
Will is very excited to be working with Charleston Stage in Beautiful. He recently worked with Queen Street Playhouse in The Wild Party, and The Rocky Horror Experience. Will received a BA in Theatre for Youth, and Performance from the College of Charleston in 2017. After college he traveled through the Midwest working for a traveling children's theatre, but is ecstatic to be back performing in Charleston! Will wants to thank all his friends and family for their love and support. <3

ARIANA SNOWDEN (Little Eva/Shirelle/One Fine Day Backup Singer/Ensemble)
Ariana is so excited to be on stage with Charleston Stage again! Originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, Ariana moved to Charleston and is currently a 1 st Grade teacher and serves at Seacoast Church on the worship team. Ariana trained with the Gainesville Theater Alliance and is a graduate of Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia with her Bachelors in Fine Arts in Musical Theater. You may have previously seen Ariana here in “Once on this Island” as Andrea and over at Queen Street Playhouse in productions such as “POTUS” as Margaret, “A Very Merry Footlight Holiday Special” as Noelle, and “Full Monty” as Vicki Nichols. Ariana is grateful to be performing with this incredible cast and crew. To God be all the glory.

DOMINICK VENTRELLA (Gerry Goffin)
Dominick is originally from Ridgefield, Connecticut, and he is delighted to be joining Charleston Stage as a Resident actor for it’s 46th season! A recent graduate of Western Connecticut State University, Dominick received his B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, as well as the 2020 WCSU Theatre Arts Acting Award. His previous credits include; The Lightning Thief: Luke/Ares/Gabe (Charleston Stage), Clue: On Stage: Mr. Green (Charleston Stage), Peter and the Starcatcher: Smee (Ives Concert Park), Company: David (Regional Theatre of the Palouse), Gordon Gets Down: Mayor Horne (Forestburgh Playhouse), Crazy For You: Lank (WCSU). Instagram: @dmventrella

COLIN WATERS (Don Kirshner)
Originally from Northern Kentucky, Colin got his B.F.A. in Acting and a double minor in Musical Theatre and Arts Administration from Western Kentucky University. Colin most recently directed Clue: On Stage. Some of Colin’s favorite Charleston Stage credits include: The Addams Family (Uncle Fester), The Play That Goes Wrong (Robert/Thomas Colleymore), Of Mice and Men (Lennie), Footloose (Willard), Bright Star (Mayor Josiah Dobbs), Beauty and the Beast (LeFou), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Voice 4), Shear Madness (Mikey) and Elf (Santa Claus). Other credits include: Guys and Dolls( Nicely Nicely Johnson), Into the Woods (Jack), and Little Shop Of Horrors (Seymour). You can find Colin on Instagram: @thepapacolin.

 EDDIE WEAVER (Drifter/Ensemble)
Eddie is ecstatic to be joining the Charleston Stage family for their 46th season! Originally from Atlanta, GA, he graduated from Columbus State University with his B.A. in Theatre Performance. Some of his favorite credits include: The Wiz (Lion), Once On This Island (Agwe), and 'Detroit 67 (Sly). Eddie would like to send his appreciation and gratitude to his loving family, friends, and teachers who have poured so much into him over the years. If you'd like to keep up with Eddie's journey, follow him on Instagram: @Eddiejihad

CHLOË WENDLER (Betty/Ensemble/Understudy Cynthia)
Chloë is currently one of Charleston Stage’s Resident Actors! Recently, you’ve seen her in A Christmas Carol (Belle), The Prom (Student Ensemble/US Alyssa Greene) & The Lightning Thief (Annabeth). Chloë recently received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University (Chants Up!) and is excited to be performing professionally so close to home. Keep up with all things Chloë on her social media... Instagram: @chloewendler | TikTok: @chloewiththefancye | Website: www.chloewendler.com

MATTHEW WILLINGHAM (Nick/Righteous Brother/Bobby Vee/Ensemble)
Matthew is delighted to be back on the Dock Street stage! He was last seen folding towels and wrapping soap in The Prom. Previous Charleston Stage credits include Peter and the Starcatcher (Mrs. Bumbrake) and The Little Mermaid (Flotsam) among others. When not performing with Charleston Stage he can be found either onstage, behind the scenes, or working concessions around the corner at the Queen Street Playhouse! Past QSP credits include Proof (Assist. Director/SM), A Gentleman's Guide... (D'Ysquith Family), Spamalot (Historian, Herbert, others), The Wild Party (Oscar), Ruthless! (Sylvia St. Croix), and A Very Merry Footlight Holiday Special (co-writer/Liza Minnelli). He would like to thank his friends and family for their never ending love and support!

 JHONIKA WRIGHT (Shirelle/One Fine Day Backup Singer/Uptown Singer/Ensemble) 
Jhonika is honored to have been a part of the Resident Acting Company here at Charleston Stage for the past two seasons. Originally from Maryland, Jhonika spent most of her life in Arkansas where she graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Her favorite roles include Emma Nolan (The Prom), Ti Moune and Erzulie (Once on This Island), Wendla (Spring Awakening), Cairo (We Are the Tigers), Grizabella (Cats), and Yertle the Turtle (Seussical the Musical). She has loved her time in Charleston with the company, and will miss it very dearly. Sending all the love to her incredible family and friends for their endless support, “This one is for you!” To keep up with all things Jhonika, you can visit her Instagram: @jhonikaaaa

Content Guide

We are always excited to see families at the theatre, and we know that parents may want more information on content when deciding if a show is appropriate for their family. Below is an outline of things parents may want to know about Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. 

Trailer