As we get ready to raise the curtain on Beautiful – The Carole King Musical under the stars in Sonoma Valley, we’re thrilled to introduce you to the remarkable cast bringing this beloved story to life. In this blog series, you’ll meet the artists who are channeling the heart, hustle, and harmonies of Carole King and her collaborators.
Today, we’re catching up with Billy Cohen, who returns to Transcendence to play the passionate and complex Gerry Goffin. From Broadway to national tours to a previous turn in Beautiful, Billy brings a wealth of experience – and soul – to the stage.
1. What does it mean to be back at Transcendence (Road Trip, 2021), and how does it feel to step into the role of Gerry Goffin in this stunning outdoor setting?
I’m thrilled to be back in Sonoma with friends old and new. It’s a singular place and company, and what excites me most about being here this time is that our show will be a departure from the norm for the subscriber base here. Typically, Transcendence stages concerts and revues with a unifying conceptual framework and somewhat loose structure full of songs from various artists. This time, though, they will get to see a traditional Broadway musical with a central character and linear narrative.
2. You’ve appeared on Broadway and in national tours. How have those experiences shaped you as a performer – and how are they helping you approach this role?
Touring was a valuable lesson in building a sense of community within a company. Broadway less so because you’re not traveling together and everyone has their own homes they return to each night. But, with a Broadway production, you get a longer timeline and a truer sense of routine, so there’s a comfort there you don’t get with touring. Both have taught me how important it is to be connected to others while also staying grounded and knowing when I need some alone time.
3. You’ve played Gerry before at Sacramento Music Circus – how has your understanding of him evolved?
Carole herself has insisted that Gerry Goffin never be depicted as a villain in this show, and I do my best to lend him the full humanity he is owed. Gerry is responsible for some of the most influential lyrics of the ‘60s and ‘70s, but more than that, he was a loving father to three and lifelong friend of Carole’s for whom she continues to hold the utmost respect. Mental health plays a significant role in our show, but it does not define who he is and is only one part of his legacy.
4. What are you most looking forward to about spending time in Sonoma this summer—onstage and off?
Onstage, I’m most looking forward to hearing our Drifters perform “On Broadway.”
Offstage… enjoying my castmate David Gordon’s delicious wines from Intermission Cellars.
5. What can audiences expect when they see Beautiful at Transcendence?
This is Transcendence’s take on a classic Broadway jukebox musical that was a commercial hit and toured the country for years. Unlike many commercial successes on Broadway, this show was not based on a pre-existing TV or film franchise but instead was formulated from interviews with Carole herself and crafted with intention to showcase select portions of a legendary artist’s life story. It’s one of my favorite jukebox musicals ever, and I hope audiences can expect to feel similarly. In the end, it’s the story of a musician discovering the full breadth of their artistry and humanity, and it’s a joy to tell it each night.