Actors love to play to a full house. But at the Saturday evening performance of "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" at the McGrath Performing Arts Center in Wilmette, IL, the theater was less than half full. Despite that fact, The Highland Park Players gave their all to those who showed up.

"Beautiful" tells the story of the early career of singer/songwriter Carole King, and features many songs she co-wrote with her first husband, Gerry Goffin.

King-Goffin wrote a string of hits in the 1960s, including "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," "The Loco-Motion," "Chains," "Up on the Roof," and "Take Good Care of My Baby," all of which are featured in this musical.

In addition to King's music, the show featured songs co-written by husband-wife team Barry Mann and Cynthia Wells - close friends and songwriting rivals to Carole and Gerry. Mann and Wells were played admirably by Roberto Mata and Britain Shutters.

Anna Marie Abbatte was outstanding as Carole, covering her teenage years to her late twenties. Her voice was wonderful throughout. The chemistry between her and Al Katz-Mariani, as Gerry, was palpable, from their early romance to the collapse of their marriage years later. Despite being a suburban Chicagoan, Katz-Mariani exuded a Brooklyn-wise-guy vibe in this role. Robin Trevino as a streetwise but good-hearted version of music publisher Don Kirshner won over the audience each time he appeared.

This show featured drama and heartache, but no villains. The rival couples remained best friends. The ambitious Kirshner always showed affection for his songwriters, and Gerry's destructive behavior, which ultimately destroyed their marriage, was attributed largely to a mental illness.

In the end, the turmoil resolved with Carole King's triumphant recording of her classic album "Tapestry" (misleadingly presented as her first solo album; in reality, it was her second one).

"Beautiful" is a beautiful story with beautiful music, told beautifully by a dedicated group of players.