RESUME
Davis had some very talented Broadway actresses to follow in the lead of this Carole King jukebox musical, produced anew at the Marriott under the direction of Jessica Fisch. But she had one additional asset in her toolbox: the ability to play live piano throughout the show. Add in her formidable vocal and acting chops and this became an extraordinarily fine performance. Marriott audiences flocked to see a beautifully constructed performance focused on the paradox King lived all her life — she always wanted a stable husband and family, which proved elusive, whereas fame and acclaim did not.
-Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
"Where to start but with the showstopping Kaitlyn Davis? Earnest yet strong of heart, she fit the role of Carole like a glove. When she sang, the notes seemed to both float to the ceiling and pierce the sky all at once. Effortless yet powerful. I could listen to her for hours. Her portrayal of Carole was a delight. You celebrated with her, cried with her, and at times yearned to yell out and let her know "It's all going to work out, trust me! Just keep going!""
- Broadway World
"Davis is a joyful and thoughtful King, showcasing her clear and sometimes-twangy voice that, honestly, sings King better than King. Davis, who was previously in the National Tour of Beautiful, comes across as earnest and likable, solidifying King’s place in our hearts as a vulnerable and honest helmswoman of the feminist movement."
-Broadway World
"Blessed with a silver-toned voice and impressive emotive skills, she makes what could be a cardboard character into a flesh-and-blood woman fighting for her soul."
-CT Theatre News
"There are moments when the audience is completely still, enthralled by the vocal splendor of Kaitlyn Davis"
-The Herald Bulletin
Davis has pure beauty in her high notes plus a seamless connectivity as she descends through mid-range to belting low notes. The diminutive lady superbly projects youth and vulnerability with passion and moxie.
-The Cultural Critic, Philadelphia
Fisch’s production has certain extraordinary assets.
No. 1 is Kaitlyn Davis (as King), a vulnerable, unpretentious actress who rightly focuses on the fundamental King paradox: she always wanted a stable family, which proved elusive, far more than fame and acclaim, which did not. Unless I was occasionally deceived, Davis played the entire piano part live, which was not true on Broadway and as rare in jukebox musicals as a sympathetic record company executive.
-Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
