By Kimberly Rau
Theatre by the Sea closes its 2026-27 summer season with the world premiere of “You’ve Still Got a Friend” a jukebox musical “concert event” that replaced the originally slated Gloria Estefan musical, “On Your Feet.”
Written by producer Seth Greenleaf, “You’ve Still Got a Friend” is a one-act musical that endeavors to put a spotlight on the longtime friendship between singer-songwriters James Taylor and Carole King. And while the cast is undoubtedly incredibly talented, as a show, “Friend” needs some work before it’s likely to gain traction with anyone outside the most die-hard audiences.
To its credit, the show offers a good sampling of the singers’ catalogs, including major hits like “Fire and Rain,” “I Feel the Earth Move” and, of course, “You’ve Got a Friend.” However, the biographical tidbits sprinkled throughout the songs are ones true fans likely already know. They certainly know the music. Despite a very clear and direct request before the show that people not sing along, the woman next to me decided that what many numbers needed was a tuneless, warbling soprano complement. I hope she auditions for them next year; I would love the chance to attend and sing over her.
The actors on stage are not portraying King and Taylor, though both are styled to invoke their respective singers’ style and sound. Allie Seibold speaks for King; Hunter Brown is Taylor’s representative. Both Seibold and King have strong vocal talent and the right sound for the music. Just as importantly, they have good rapport between them and when speaking to the audience.
They’re backed by a truly impressive band (including Seibold’s real-life husband Seth Eliser as the show’s music director and lead guitarist), and two backup vocalists, Elizabeth Nestlerode and Charlie Wehde. Nestlerode and Wehde also get to show off their voices with their own solos over the course of the show. They, along with Seibold and Brown, are proof that strong talent can boost a lackluster book.
To be clear: It’s not that the show is bad. It’s not that it lacks heart, or talent (certainly, the talent is there in spades). But after curtain, I was left wanting. I don’t hate jukebox musicals, but I want to understand why the author felt a particular story needed to be told. Unfortunately, I left the theater without a clear answer.. One act and an hour and 40 minutes doesn’t leave much time to delve into the nuance of a longstanding friendship, especially when the high points are already touched upon in “Beautiful,” which was at TBTS just three seasons ago. The opportunity for a fun trip down memory lane is certainly there for fans and those who remember the 70s fondly, but whether it’s worth a $66-$96 ticket for an evening of cover songs and trivia is going to end up being a personal decision.
“You’ve Still Got a Friend” runs through Sept. 13, 2026, at Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield. Tickets may be obtained at the box office, online at theatrebythesea.com or by calling 401.782.8587.
