Canadian actress Chilina Kennedy, who made her Broadway debut as Mary Magdalene in the 2012 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, will succeed Tony winner Jessie Mueller in the title role of Broadway's smash hit Beautiful—The Carole King Musical, about the early life and career of the groundbreaking singer/songwriter.

Kennedy begins performances March 7 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.

Tony winner Mueller will play her final performance March 6.  Read more here.

"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."

She joins fellow Canadian Scott Campbell who plays King's collaborator and husband, the late Gerry Goffin.

Also joining the cast with Kennedy on March 7th is Jessica Keenan Wynn who will make her Broadway debut in the role of Cynthia Weil, Barry Mann's songwriting partner and wife.  Wynn fills in for Tony nominee Anika Larsen, who will depart the show temporarily for maternity leave.

To see photos of opening night starring Chilina Kennedy, click here.  Read more about Chilina Kennedy and her role as Carole King below:
Broadway Buzz
Big Story AP

In addition, the first American national tour of Beautiful will launch in September 2015, beginning at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Providence, Rhode Island (September 15-20, 2015); a 12-week limited engagement at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago, IL (December 1, 2015 - February 21, 2016); and will play the Hollywood Pantages in Los Angeles, CA; DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham, NC in October 2015; and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte, NC, as well as other cities across the country.  To check additional cities, click here