Carole King makes surprise appearance at musical about her life, 'Beautiful'

NEW YORK, April 4 (UPI) -- Carol King saw Beautiful for the first time on Thursday, and helped raise $30,000 for charity during her appearance.

The 72-year-old star surprised the Beautiful cast and crew when she attended the Broadway musical for the very first time. The production is based on King's life and music, and many have wondered if the singer would show up after she expressed reluctance to see the show. Beautiful tells the story of her 1971 album, Tapestry, which was recorded during a difficult period in her life.

Honored to have the one and only @Carole_King at the show tonight! pic.twitter.com/s9QMRZwuoC

— Beautiful Broadway (@BeautifulOnBway) April 4, 2014

"I've been working up to coming," King told the cast and crew with a smile after she came up on stage.

The singer had revealed herself in the audience as the cast made their appeal for charity at the end of the show. Beautiful then raised $30,000 for the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS campaign from an auctioned-off cast performance of "You've Got a Friend" led by King herself.