Chilina Kennedy of New Brunswick to star in Carole King musical on Broadway

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Canadian theatre star Chilina Kennedy is taking over the lead in “Beautiful — The Carole King Musical” on Broadway.

Producers say the New Brunswick native will succeed Jessie Mueller, who won a Tony Award in June for portraying the singer-songwriter at the start of her career.

Kennedy made her Broadway debut in 2012 as Mary Magdalene in a production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” that originated at Ontario’s Stratford Festival.

She won the King role after open casting calls were held across the U.S. to find a replacement for Mueller.

Kennedy assumes the role March 7, a day after Mueller’s last performance at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.

“After seeing her excel over the years as the preeminent leading lady of Canada’s Stratford Festival, I’m thrilled to welcome Chilina back to Broadway,” director Marc Bruni said in a statement.

“She’s a unique talent, and I can’t wait for the audiences at the Sondheim to experience the warmth, vulnerability, and humility Chilina will bring to the role.”

Tony- and Oscar-nominated Douglas McGrath wrote the book for the show, which features King hits including “It’s Too Late” and “You’ve Got a Friend.”