BroadwayRadio Special Episode Summary: Sarah Bockel on the ‘Beautiful’ Carole Club
Podcast Information
- Title: BroadwayRadio
- Host: Matt Timminini
- Episode: Special Episode: Sarah Bockel on the ‘Beautiful’ Carole Club
- Release Date: April 29, 2025
- Description: Broadway's Premier Podcasts
Introduction
In this special episode of BroadwayRadio, host Matt Timminini engages in an insightful conversation with Sarah Bockel, a seasoned performer portraying Carole King in the musical "Beautiful" at the Riverside Theater in Vero Beach, Florida. Sarah brings a wealth of experience from her numerous portrayals of Carole King, including her time on Broadway, the national tour, and various regional productions.
Sarah’s Journey with "Beautiful"
Sarah discusses her extensive history with the role of Carole King, highlighting her performances on Broadway, as an understudy on the national tour, and at the Algonquin Playhouse. She is currently starring in the Riverside production and is slated to reprise the role in Sonoma over the summer.
Quote:
"I have to think for a second, you might even see me, like, go this way."
— Sarah Bockel [02:29]
Balancing Experience with New Productions
Matt probes into how Sarah manages to bring fresh perspectives to each new production despite her deep familiarity with the role. Sarah emphasizes the importance of confidence in her understanding of Carole while remaining open to new interpretations and collaborative inputs from different creative teams.
Quote:
"I really do feel very confident about what I think is right, while also needing to be flexible and like, oh, that's interesting."
— Sarah Bockel [04:21]
The Quintessential Carole King
A significant part of their discussion centers on what makes Carole King an enduring and beloved character. Sarah identifies Carole's optimism and unwavering resilience as the cornerstone of her character, traits that must shine through regardless of the production's nuances.
Quote:
"I think the quintessential thing about her is that she never quits. She will adjust, but she won't give up."
— Sarah Bockel [05:06]
Vocal Techniques and Challenges
Sarah delves into the technical aspects of embodying Carole King's voice. She explains the balance between maintaining the essence of Carole's Brooklyn accent and ensuring vocal sustainability throughout performances. This delicate balance requires constant adjustment, akin to negotiating gear shifts in a manual transmission.
Quote:
"With your voice, it's like a constant negotiation depending on how much rest you got the night before."
— Sarah Bockel [08:37]
The Special Appeal of "Beautiful"
Matt shares his admiration for "Beautiful" as a standout jukebox musical, attributing its success to the intelligent book by Doug McGrath and the authentic storytelling derived from Carole King's own life narratives. Sarah concurs, noting the honesty and emotional depth that set the show apart from typical jukebox musicals.
Quote:
"It's really honest and true. And so I think that's what makes it so good."
— Sarah Bockel [10:27]
Audience Connection and Community Engagement
Sarah highlights the importance of connecting with the audience beyond the stage. She shares anecdotes about interacting with patrons, receiving heartfelt messages, and understanding the profound impact the show has on individuals facing personal challenges.
Quote:
"You need to remember that there are people that you have the ability to give a really meaningful experience to."
— Sarah Bockel [16:46]
The "Carol Club" Phenomenon
The conversation explores why the role of Carole King attracts recurring performers. Sarah suggests that a combination of specific vocal qualities, the ability to navigate quick changes, and a grounded, self-effacing nature contribute to the formation of a dedicated "Carol Club" among actors.
Quote:
"There is a unique part and there is kind of like in my head like a Carol club."
— Sarah Bockel [19:32]
Learning from Fellow Carole Performers
Sarah expresses her admiration for fellow actresses who have portrayed Carole King, mentioning how observing their performances has enriched her own interpretation. She credits mentors like Abby Mueller and Julia Nitel for teaching her the importance of emotional presence and responsiveness.
Quote:
"I just try to watch her as much as I could without being creepy or making myself seen."
— Sarah Bockel [22:01]
What Audiences Will Experience
When asked what audiences can expect from the Riverside production, Sarah hopes that viewers will leave feeling inspired by Carole King's resilience and positivity. She aims for the show to offer both emotional depth and uplifting entertainment, leaving patrons with a sense of invincibility.
Quote:
"More than the music, I'd really like people to walk away feeling like invincible."
— Sarah Bockel [24:57]
Conclusion
Matt concludes the interview by praising Sarah's performance and wishing her well for future runs in Sarasota and Sonoma. The episode encapsulates Sarah Bockel's deep connection to the role of Carole King, her technical prowess, and her heartfelt commitment to engaging and inspiring audiences.
Final Quote:
"Thank you so much, Matt. What a nice interview. Thank you."
— Sarah Bockel [26:13]
Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the enriching conversation between Matt Timminini and Sarah Bockel.