The 1960s was an eventful decade with global movements and music which took the world by storm. It was a new cultural age that is still relevant today in pop culture and history. Now, audiences can get a taste of nostalgia which recalls the highs and lows.
Beaumont Community Players presents “Beehive: The ’60s Musical” through Feb. 3. The show recaps the decade through songs of the women who shaped the culture. While the musical mentions artists such as The Beatles, it’s artists like Aretha Franklin and Janice Joplin who take the spotlight.
The audience, whether they were alive during the ’60s or not, will be able to recognize the classic tunes, including “It’s My Party” by Lesley Gore, “Be My Baby” by The Ronettes, and “Proud Mary” by Ike and Tina Turner.
The show follows Wanda, (Carrie Wilson) as she relives her youth and gives the audience an idea of what the world was like when she was growing up. She recalls how women were styling their hair in the famous “beehive” look and teenagers were taking charge of the new generation. It’s like looking into the diary of a young woman who wants nothing more than to become independent within the upbeat world.
As the years go by and the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. take place, Wanda becomes disillusioned and turns away her childish beliefs. The audience members emphasize with her.
But the show ends on an upbeat as Wanda reflects on the joy the music brought her. The closing song encourages everyone to make their “own kind of music.”
The other five women in the cast — Caroline Barnett, Ahlexiah Bentley, Bailey George, Starr Lee-Alvarez and Autumn Rodriguez — have great voices and capture the spirit of the performers without relying on impersonation.
The costumes, designed by Janice Pattillo, are incredibly detailed and realistic which immerses audiences into the story. Choreographer Leyni Illa-Petersen brings back some of the old ’60s dance moves creating an upbeat atmosphere.
“Beehive: The ’60s Musical” is different from a usual musical. It is more of a revue where the music tells the story rather than relying on dialogue.
The show is an on-stage portal to the past, full of unforgettable catchy tunes which leave the songs stuck in our heads long after we leave the theater. Through the highs and lows of the 1960s, one thing that united people was music, and “Beehive” unites audiences young and old.
“Beehive: The ’60s Musical” continues through Jan. 26, 27, Feb. 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee Jan. 27 at 2 p.m.
BCP is located at 4155 Laurel Ave. in Beaumont. Tickets can be purchased at beaumontstages.com.