BWW Reviews: The Rep's Upbeat and Fun Production of BEEHIVE THE 60's MUSICAL

Beehive the 60's Musical closes out the season for the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, providing a refreshing and cheery dose of 1960's sunshine, and filling the theatre with the sounds of classic pop tunes from that era. This jukebox musical focuses on the contributions that women made to music during those turbulent times, and features six supremely talented singers who bring these familiar favorites to life while being backed by a superb band. The Rep's current production is a sheer delight, conjuring up memories of days gone by with an energetic cast who may have been too young to have heard these songs the first time around, but who do wonderful work with this material, nonetheless.

Created by Larry Gallagher, Beehive the 60's Musical is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde experience, much like the 60's were. The first act is mostly devoted to the squeaky clean girl group numbers and lighter songs that began the decade. Although, near the end of the act mention is made of President Kennedy's assassination and the subsequent British invasion that occurred, which brought Four Lads from Liverpool to our shores and changed pop music forever.

The second act primarily follows three major talents, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin, but also features a culturally significant song from Janis Ian. And though the show can't possibly include every song imaginable, it is fairly representative. Besides, the licensing rights, even for the selections chosen, were probably a nightmare to try and secure.

Lauren Dragon, Lisa Estridge, Jennie Harney, Kristin Maloney, Debra Walton and Jessica Waxman are the six performers who tackle this sweet collection of ear candy, and they all do a fabulous job. Each get their individual moments to shine, and each contributes strong backing vocals when they're not in the spotlight.

Lisa Estridge guides us through the show in a narrative capacity, and in keeping with the more frivolous nature of the early portions, participates in an amusing fantasy sequence which finds her in the company of Brenda Lee, Connie Francis and Lesley Gore. This bit allows the music to act as punchlines for various jokes, and it's an approach that's often hilarious. But, I have my doubts as to whether that tact would hold up over the course of an entire evening. Estridge gives her most memorable performance singing Sonny Bono's "The Beat Goes On" in a slowed down version that allows her space to comment dramatically on the events that changed the course of our nation.

Kristin Maloney has a nice moment in the second act singing Janis Ian's "Society's Child", and she also acquits herself well as Brenda Lee and Connie Francis. Jessica Waxman makes a vivid impression as well, especially with the Lesley Gore numbers "It's My Party", "You Don't Own Me", and "Judy's Turn to Cry", where she displays a particular knack for comedic material. Debra Walton brings the house down as Tina Turner with a rollicking romp through "Proud Mary", which features Ike Turner's more dynamic arrangement. Perky Jennie Harney has a world class voice and an uncanny ability to mimic Diana Ross, which comes in handy during a medley of her hits. Lauren Dragon does most of her songs in the second act, but it's worth the wait when she takes the stage to approximate the whiskey-voiced, bluesy sound of Janis Joplin for a medley of some of her finer songs.

Director/choreographer Pamela Hunt does a terrific job of keeping this cast full of energy and enthusiasm. Interest is maintained throughout, and the pace never lags due to her efforts. James Morgan's scenic design conjures up memories of Laugh-In with it's orange, yellow and pink color scheme and flower power ornamentation. Mary Jo Dondlinger's lighting is particularly expressive and nicely sets the mood for each number. John Carver Sullivan provides the colorful costumes that are good fits for the actresses, and for the vast changes that occurred in style during that decade.

Michael Sebastian's work as music director and conductor is impeccably realized with a tight overall sound coming from the band and the vocalists. Of course, special mention should also be made of the band which consists of Sebastian (piano, keyboards), John Brophy (percussion), Mike Buerk (saxophone), Jay Hungerford (bass), Steve Schenkel (guitar) and Andy Tichenor (trumpet).

The Rep's fun production of Beehive the 60's Musical will have you dancing in your seat, tapping your toes, and singing in your car on the way home. This presentation continues through April 10, 2011 at the Loretto-Hilton.

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