The magic of Beautiful – The Carole King Musical is not just in its timeless songs, but in the powerhouse performers who bring these legendary characters to life. As part of our “Get to Know” series, we’re thrilled to introduce the artists behind the music – and today, we’re welcoming a fresh face to the Transcendence stage.
Anne Terze-Schwarz makes her Transcendence debut this summer as the witty and brilliant Cynthia Weil. With a dynamic resume spanning musical theatre favorites, powerful plays, and national tours, Anne brings warmth, humor, and fierce talent to the role of one of pop music’s most iconic lyricists.
Get to Know Anne Terze-Schwarz (Cynthia Weil in Beautiful – The Carole King Musical)
1. This is your first time performing with Transcendence – what drew you to Sonoma, and what are you most excited about as you make your debut?
I have heard only wonderful things about Transcendence and Sonoma, so when the opportunity came up to work here, I jumped at it. The incomparable Sue Draus brought me in (and you just can’t say no to Sue!). The entire cast and creative team is incredible and doing one of my favorite shows in this gorgeous place feels like heaven.
2. Cynthia Weil is a sharp, driven, and trailblazing woman in music. What’s been your approach to stepping into her shoes, and what do you admire most about her?
I love the way Cynthia is written. Strong, empathetic, driven, compassionate, hilarious yet incredibly honest and real. I admire the relationships she curates throughout the show. Not just with Barry, which is a relationship that grows with patience, trust, and communication, but with Carole as well. They are competitive, yes, but their respect for each other is there from day one and it’s the kind friendship we all deserve to have in our lives.
3. How does it feel to revisit the role of Cynthia, and how might this version of Beautiful feel different under the Sonoma sky?
This is an exciting opportunity to really play with the character and grow with it. This particular production is so special because we are outside, surrounded by this gorgeous landscape. It gives the show freedom to breathe and feed off the energy of the town and the people around us.
4. Your career spans everything from Hedwig to Waitress to Into the Woods. How do those diverse experiences help shape your performance in this show?
I have played so many different characters, but one thing that remains constant for me is making sure every single one is rooted in truth. I want to make sure these are real people that we can relate to and laugh with and cry with. That’s the part of storytelling that really made me fall in love with live theatre, and I hope to create characters that draw in an audience in that same magical way.
5. What can audiences expect when they experience Beautiful at Transcendence—and why do you think this story continues to resonate so strongly with theatergoers?
Honestly, two words… Carole King. She was such an incredible songwriter, and she created this timeless sound that I truly believe resonates with everyone. There is a raw simplicity to her music that is so beautiful, and it shoots right to the heart. Her story is so moving and relatable. Britta Rae who plays her in our production does it so flawlessly that you can’t hear her sing without feeling moved. Now add a gorgeous backdrop topped with a Sonoma sunset and how could you not love it!?