Review: BEEHIVE: THE 60S MUSICAL at Keystone Theatrics At West Shore Theatre

Beehive: The 60s Musical, created by Larry Gallagher, is a fast-paced, high-energy musical review filled with the iconic songs, dances, clothing, and hairstyles of the 60s. Beehive is the first performance for Keystone Theatrics at their new venue, West Shore Theatre. Directed by Dustin LeBlanc, with vocal director Ellen Ditmer, music director Brandon W. Bitner, choreographer Hannah Paymer, and stage manager Bethany Frymark, Beehive is the perfect show to start this new chapter in Keystone Theatrics history. West Shore Theatre offers audiences a fun, welcoming, and comfortable environment with a variety of seating options. The team made great use of the movie screen, projecting images of the musicians and historical events and figures that made up the fabric of the 60s.

The band includes Brandon W. Bitner (conductor), Adrienne Connaghan (keyboard), Andy Herring (tenor sax), Bradley Katz (trumpet), Ken Geist (guitar), Dave Porter (bass), and Mike Feher (drums). These musicians nimbly transition from one song to the next, keeping the show moving and bringing each recognizable number to life. The costumes (by Bethany Frymark) and wigs (by Carina Orpin) not only evoke nostalgia for the styles of the 60s, but also suit each character perfectly.

The cast features Macy Box (swing/understudy), Ursula Culpepper-Ayler (Jasmine), Torrence Brown (Alison), Kaila MacGinnes (Gina), Kayla Capone Kasper (Pattie), Victoria Narvaez (Laura), and Taye Olivia (Wanda). Macy Box is a delightful addition to the performance in a cameo appearance where she introduces the band during a scene change in act one and again in the final number of the show. Ursula Culpepper-Ayler is vivacious, lighting up the stage with her energy. This reviewer particularly enjoyed her performance in “Academy Award”. Torrence Brown clearly put in the work to make Alison a distinct character. She knows who her character is, and it’s a joy to watch the subtle character choices she makes throughout the show. Her vocals are spot-on, leaving the audience wanting more. Kaila MacGinnes has an incredible belt, and she brings down the house with the lead vocals on “Proud Mary” and “Chain of Fools”. Kayla Capone Kasper shows a wonderful range of emotion throughout the show, moving from an adorable performance of “It’s my Party” in act one to an attention-demanding attitude-filled rendition of “You Don’t Own Me” in act two. Victoria Narvaez’s powerhouse vocals, combined with her emotional delivery and sparkling stage presence, make Laura one of the audience’s favorite characters of the evening. This reviewer especially loved her performances of “To Sir, with Love” and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”. Taye Olivia takes on the role of Wanda, the leader of the group. Her energy and charisma lead the audience on a journey through the 60s that is filled with nostalgia and emotion. Her vocal performance is lovely, making her performance as Wanda one of her best to date.

While these women are incredible individually, what really makes Beehive shine is the way they work together. Their harmonies are absolutely gorgeous, their dance moves are in synch, and they move seamlessly from one scene and song to the next. Beehive only has two more performances—2pm and 7pm on Saturday, August 22nd. If you can’t make it to this production, mark your calendars for the next Keystone Theatrics show at West Shore Theatre, Disenchanted (want to be part of the fun? Auditions for Disenchanted are August 29th and August 30th!). Visit keystonetheatrics.com for more information.