BEEHIVE celebrates powerful female voices of the 60s
BEEHIVE is a celebration of that era’s powerful female voices whose music stands the test of time – including Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Carole King, Aretha Franklin, and Tina Turner. Timeless hits sung include “It’s My Party,” “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?,” “Where the Boys Are,” and “You Don’t Own Me”.
The show is a song-filled journey told from the perspective of six women coming of age during this unforgettable time, from their first Beehive Dance through a decade of change.
Last week, I attended the show’s media preview. I’ve seen a number of musicals at the WST and this one is my favorite thus far. My 13-year-old also loved it.
Walnut’s production features six versatile actresses … with extraordinary voices. The costumes and hair will take you back to the 60s era.
Lindsey Bliven and Bonnie Kelly play Alison and Pattie, respectively. Bliven was last seen at the Walnut as Vivienne Kensington in Legally Blonde and the flying nanny in Mary Poppins. Her work also includes national tours of Oklahoma!, A Chorus Line, and The Wizard of Oz. This time, Bliven sings such classics as “Where the Boys Are” and “Son of a Preacher Man.”
Bonnie Kelly’s Walnut credits include Shrek, Young Frankenstein, Holiday Inn, and The Wizard of Oz. Elsewhere, Kelly has been seen in national tours of Beauty and the Beast and A Chorus Line. In Beehive, Kelly sings numbers like “My Boyfriend’s Back” and “You Don’t Own Me.”
Ayana Major Bey makes her Walnut debut as Jasmine, leading musical numbers like “Come See about Me” and “Where Did Our Love Go.” Also new to the Walnut is actress Felicia Boswell who plays Wanda, singing numbers that include “The Name Game” and “Walking in the Rain.”
Boswell was a standout of the show, and I hope to see her as the lead in future WST productions.
Philadelphia native Sara Gallo makes her Walnut debut as Laura. Gallo sings Janis Joplin staples like “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)” and “Cry Baby.” Karissa Harris also makes her Walnut debut, playing Gina. In Beehive, Harris sings classics like “River Deep, Mountain High” and “Sweet Talkin’ Guy.”
BEEHIVE kept the audience entertained until the final number. The show runs at the Walnut only through October 31, so get your tickets now.
This production is sponsored by Sharon & Scott Rankin. Media Sponsors are 6ABC and Metro Philadelphia.
Discounted tickets are sponsored by PNC Arts Alive. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com.
Felicia Boswell and Company; Photo Credit: Mark Garvin