First Impressions Theatre’s production of Beehive: The 60’s Musical is an enjoyable celebration of the decade’s popular American female music artists as well as the social change that defined the era. Directed and choreographed by Kailley Roesler, and musical directed by Gordon Roberts, this two-act song-and-dance revue is worth seeing not only for its iconic songs but also for the sensational talent onstage. There are a number of young women who dazzle with rousing, heartfelt performances.
Six very talented ladies deliver songs that range from bubble gum pop such as “It’s My Party”, “One Fine Day”, and “Can’t Hurry Love” to thoughtful, emotional songs such as “Natural Woman”, “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”, and “Cry Baby”. Along the way, the show’s narrator, Wanda (played by CJ Jackman Zigante) walks us through the historical and social context in which the music we’re enjoying was created. From hearing about fierce female attitude being inserted into songs such as “My Boyfriend’s Back”, fashion trends like miniskirts and high boots, to music produced during the Civil Rights Movement such as “Chain of Fools”, and the move towards the “natural look” and artists such as Janis Joplin emerging on the scene, we get an insightful look into how the role of women and people of color evolved and shifted throughout the 60s.
There are some amazing performances here. Jenaya Barker is absolutely stunning in her vocal delivery of everything she sings, with the highlight for me being “Where the Boys Are”. Her voice is exquisite and she has a belt that threatens to blow the roof off. Trinity Jade sings with gut wrenching emotion, highlighted by “Chain of Fools”. Ivania Delgado is very enjoyable to watch. She dances with great style and exudes a fun personality throughout. Early on, she performs “My Boyfriend’s Back” with sass. But what really blew me away was her performance of Janis Joplin’s “Cry Baby” in the second act. Doing an 180-degree flip from her bubble gum pop performances earlier in the show, I was impressed with Delgado’s ability to sing with such raw emotion and deliver the essence of Joplin’s music so well.
Sarah Mercier is enjoyable to watch from the start, with her huge smile and lovely stage presence. But it’s her performance of “You Don’t Own Me” later in the show that really impressed me, as she performs this number with such great attitude and confidence. And Sabrielle McCurdy-Foreman captivated me throughout the whole show by delivering strong performances of songs that ranged from the ballad, “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”, to some sassier, bolder pieces later on. This powerful group of young female talent deliver girl power to the max with heart and impressive skill. You can tell that every song has been worked on for hours, every detail refined.
All of this is done under the watchful umbrella of Zigante, who holds the show together with her wise, thoughtful narration, occasionally getting into the fun of things with the rest of the group, such as busting a move. Roesler’s staging is inventive, using different formations of the mic stands and performers to create interesting visuals and to change things up throughout the show. The choreography is era-appropriate and fun, the highlight for me being the choreography for “River Deep, Mountain High”.
Roesler and Roberts have done an excellent job of distributing the songs among the cast, allowing each cast member to shine with songs that suit them the best. Under the direction of Roberts, the 7-piece band sounds fantastic! Since music is the centre of this show, I’m happy to report that this production definitely delivers.
Michael Smith’s set is outstanding – an homage to 1960s TV variety shows, with an attractive platform with steps leading up to it, and colourful floral prints on the backdrop and painted on the stage to remind us that we’re in the 60s. In conjunction with Smith’s lighting, Tiffany Bishop’s costume design, and Donnie Tejani (whom I’m convinced works on every musical in metro Vancouver), this show really whisks you back to the 60s.
The show ends with the cast performing “Make Your Own Kind of Music”. Coming into the show, I knew it would probably be a lot of fun, but I didn’t expect such inspirational messaging as well and I was truly moved. The messaging of staying true to yourself and shining in your own way no matter what, perfectly embodies the concept of the show – female music greats who followed their hearts and guts and made music that continues to inspire audiences decades afterward. Beehive is a celebration of personal integrity and heart, delivered with fun and sass.
First Impressions Theatre’s production of Beehive: The ’60s Musical runs at the First Impressions Theatre Deep Cove until March 11, 2023. Visit First Impressions Theatre’s site for ticket information.