Photo by Alan Zenreich
(ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP), one of America's longest-running little theater companies, will launch its 93rd season with the area premiere of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. This Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical phenomenon, based on the inspiring true story of the artist's remarkable journey from young songwriter to superstar solo artist, will run at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell from September 13 through October 11, 2025.
Beautiful features a stirring book by the late Tony and Academy Award-nominated writer Douglas McGrath, with music and lyrics by legendary artists Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil. The show enjoyed a nearly seven-year run on Broadway and was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. BCP's production is directed by Alyson Cohn of Wyckoff, with musical direction by Steve Bell of Hackensack and choreography by Dominique Alvarado of Allendale.
The musical portrays King's journey through the music industry, highlighting her creative development and the challenges she faced as a songwriter. The score includes hits such as “So Far Away,” “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You've Got a Friend,” and “Beautiful,” along with hits made famous by other artists, including "Up on the Roof," "One Fine Day," and "Take Good Care of My Baby".
Above photos by Alan Zenreich
Hadar Baron of New York City, an international singer, songwriter, and actress with strong Bergen County roots (Tenafly), will play the role of Carole King. Ms. Baron’s musical journey mirrors King's, having recorded an EP in just three weeks – the same timeframe in which King recorded Tapestry. The cast of 17 also includes Jesse Kriesel of New City, NY as Gerry Goffin, Candice Belina of Paramus as Cynthia Weil, Steven Munoz of Caldwell as Barry Mann, Larry Brustofski of Oakland as Don Kirshner, and Cheryl Woertz of Alpine as Genie Klein. Supporting roles will be played by Alyssa Marie of Suffern, NY, Shelina Faith of New York City, Danielle Nelken of Clifton, and Tonette Smith of Tappan, NY as the Shirelles and others; Braxton Allen of New York City, Elijah Jackson of Montvale, and Saadiq Muhammad of Paterson as the Drifters and others; and Peter Moriarty of Tarrytown, NY and T’Bone Rube of Belleville as the Righteous Brothers and others. Rinn Maldonado of New York City portrays Betty, and Alyssa Fanelli Johnson of Cedar Grove is Marilyn Wald.
The production will mark the upcoming 55th anniversary of the release of King's iconic album Tapestry. Show times are Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets, all priced at $35, can be purchased online at www.bcplayers.org, by calling 201-261-4200 or by visiting the box office at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell during regular box office hours.
Alyson Cohn, the director, emphasizes the show's significance: “We're thrilled to open our 93rd season with this inspiring true story of a music legend. Beyond a mere celebration of Carole King's legacy, Beautiful weaves a profound tapestry of human experience, resonant across generations. It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, love, and the enduring power of music.”
A BCP Life Member and current President of Bergen County Players, Alyson Cohn is a highly accomplished director and performer. Her extensive directing credits include acclaimed productions, including The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Laramie Project, and Angels in America. She was recognized with a Perry Award for Outstanding Direction of a Play for both Proof and God of Carnage. On stage, audiences at the Bergen County Players have enjoyed her performances in productions such as How to Succeed…, Little Shop of Horrors (receiving a Perry Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical), and most recently as Emma Goldman in Ragtime: The Musical (earning a Perry Award Nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical). Offstage, Alyson is the Director of Music Together of Northern NJ, an early childhood music and movement program.
Photo by Alan Zenreich
The production team is comprised of Michele Roth and Kathleen Ruland (Producers), Michele Roth (Production Stage Manager and Assistant to the Director), Steve Bell (Musical Director), Dominique Alvarado (Choreographer), Dan Seitz (Set Design/Construction), Lauren Zenreich (Set Décor), Allan Seward (Lighting Design), Rob DeScherer and Tim Larsen (Sound Design), Sandra Conklin (Lighting Operation), Adam Mahonchak, Kelly Gebman and Carey Gselle (Sound Board Operation), Felicia Benson-Kraft, Alyson Cohn, and Lynne Lupfer (Costumes), Katie Lupfer and Melissa Giordano (Wig Design), Greg Guido (Crew Chief), Rich Ciero and Mark Bogosian (Crew), Jill Hendrickson, Aura Caicedo, Jody Rosenblit, and Rita DePinto (Dressers), Jen Bancks and Tina Ferrera (Properties), Joanne Guarnacchia (Make-up), Alan Zenreich (Photographer), David Luke and Andrew Whitney (Spotlight Operators), Janica Carpenter (Production Assistant), Felicia Benson-Kraft (Member-at-Large), Kay Koch (Social Media Director) and Marci K. Weinstein (Program Bios).
Bergen County Players will donate a portion of the 2025-2026 season's proceeds to Joan's Joy Foundation of Hillsdale, New Jersey, which honors the memory of 7-year-old Girl Scout Joan Angela D’Alessandro. The Foundation promotes child safety via programs and provides fun experiences for at-risk children.
Photo by Alan Zenreich
TICKET AND SCHEDULE INFORMATION
* All performances take place at The Little Firehouse Theatre at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, home to the Bergen County Players since 1949. Show times are Friday and Saturday nights at 8PM and Sundays at 2PM.
* All tickets for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical are $35. Tickets can be purchased online at bcplayers.org, by calling 201-261-4200 or by visiting the box office at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell during regular box office hours. Visa, Master Card, and American Express are accepted.
* Those interested in Group Sales or benefit theater parties can call (201) 261-4200 (option #6)
* BCP offers seating to accommodate patrons who are mobility impaired and can transfer from a wheelchair. These seats can be purchased by calling the box office at 201-261-4200 and will be released for public sale two weeks prior to performance.
* BCP’s popular Questions & Artists talkback session with cast and crew will be held following the performance on Friday, September 19.
* Advance discount tickets for students aged 25 and under with proper ID are available for $19 by phone or walk-up at every performance, pending seat availability. Not available online. There is a limit of one discount ticket per student ID.
* Rush discount tickets for students aged 25 and under with proper ID are available for $10 at the box office window, starting 30 minutes prior to curtain. There is a limit of one Rush ticket per student ID and cash is the only payment method accepted.
* Parking is free for their patrons at the Park Avenue municipal lot, across the street, one-half block north of the theater, as well as street parking on Kinderkamack Road and various side streets, including municipal lots behind Town Hall and the Library on Church Street. All locations are within easy walking distance.
Photo by Alan Zenreich
The production will mark the upcoming 55th anniversary of the release of King's iconic album Tapestry. Show times are Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets, all priced at $35, can be purchased online at www.bcplayers.org, by calling 201-261-4200 or by visiting the box office at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell during regular box office hours.">Bergen County Players, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting quality theatrical productions to the community. Founded in 1932, BCP is one of America’s longest-running little theater companies.
