By Kimberly Harper
Take six women with powerful voices, a decade that had some of the most iconic hits of the last century, add in some colorful costumes and choreography and you’ve got “Beehive,” a 1960s musical revue that’s playing through June 18 at Theatre by the Sea.
Directed and choreographed by Russell Garrett, “Beehive” departs from the usual jukebox musical in that there is very little story line. There are nods to some of the bigger events that define the decade – JFK, for instance, but it’s clear that “Beehive” is all about the music. A few of the numbers in Act 1 don’t seem to move the audience much, so the show is slow to gather momentum, but by intermission, you’ll be ready for more. Act 2 is where things really get going, when the women, who before were just singing as a group of friends, start taking on the personas of some really iconic 60s singers.
Everyone in the cast is very talented. Alana Cauthen channels Carole King in several numbers, and especially knocks things out of the park with “Natural Woman.” Merrill Peiffer absolutely kills it as Janis Joplin, singing several of the star’s best-known songs. It doesn’t matter what kind of music you like, there’s nothing like hearing a really good singer nail “Me and Bobby McGee.” She also gives a lovely rendition of “To Sir With Love” earlier in the show, backed up by her fellow actresses.
Karissa Harris has the dance skills and vocal chops to tackle some of Tina Turner’s best numbers, including “Proud Mary.” Kendall Hope sings some fantastic numbers too, including “Son of a Preacher Man” and “You Don’t Own Me,” and Amanda Lea Lavergne, who’s perfect comic timing is matched by a versatile singing voice, does a nice job on songs such as “Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You).” And Inuka Ivaska, who acts as a kind of narrator throughout the show, rocks all of her numbers in a way that makes you think she was perhaps born in the wrong era.
The costumes and set are one colorful flashback after another, the band is solid, and the choreography is entertaining. The women themselves are the embodiment of one of the most remarkable decades of the 20th century – self-assured, confident, and memorable well beyond the finale. Treat yourself to a trip down memory lane this summer in Matunuck.
“Beehive” runs through June 18 at Theatre by the Sea, 364 Cards Pond Road, Matunuck, R.I. For tickets, visit www.theatrebythesea.com or call 401.782.8587
