Will Tony Winner Jessie Mueller Be Replaced by Chilina Kennedy in Broadway's Beautiful?

Tony winner Jessie Mueller may be leaving the Broadway production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical musical. According to The Toronto Star, Chilina Kennedy will be taking over the role of Carole King in early 2015 on the Great White Way. Mueller will reportedly headline the national tour and perhaps the upcoming West End production. Mueller told Broadway.com that she would "gladly hop over the Pond for a while" to appear in the London incarnation.

A production spokesperson said: "There is no official deal or announcement. Jessie Mueller remains in the show and no tour casting has been set at the moment."

Mueller received the Tony for her performance in Beautiful and a Tony nod for her Broadway debut in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever in 2012. Her other Great White Way credits include The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Broadway.com Audience Choice Award nomination) and Nice Work If You Can Get It. Mueller's additional stage credits include Lincoln Center’s Carousel, the Public Theater’s Into the Woods and Chicago productions of Meet Me in St. Louis, Baby and She Loves Me.

Kennedy appeared on the Great White Way as Mary Magdalene in the most recent revival of Jesus Christ Superstar.