Guthrie's The Pollard presents new production of "Beehive: The 60s Musical"

"Beehive: The 60s Musical" at Pollard Theatre this April. Image provided.

Back by popular demand after its original 2008 production, it’s Larry Gallagher’s international hit revue, Beehive: The 60s Musical. This musical celebrates the contributions of women to the music of the 1960s and will return to the Pollard stage April 12 through May 4.

Beehive: The 60s Musical is part of Guthrie’s the Pollard Theatre Company’s 32nd Season.

Beehive: The 60s Musical is the ultimate celebration of 1960s female empowerment. Featuring such timeless classics as My Boyfriend’s Back, Be My Baby, Son of a Preacher Man and Me and Bobby McGee, this musical recalls the days of miniskirts, transistor radios and flower power.

Told from the perspective of six young women who came of age in this enigmatic decade, these young ladies look back on a host of issues ranging from their first beehive dance to the challenges we faced as a nation - all accomplished by a vast array of the most celebrated and memorable songs of the era.

For this much-anticipated revival production, Director/Choreographer Timothy Stewart has assembled a stellar cast of both new and returning actresses to honor some of the eras most notable performers. Jennifer Teel (In The Heights and Passing Strange) and Stefani Fortney (Passing Strange and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) both return to the show having played the same roles in the original Pollard production.

The show will also feature Susan Riley (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Company), Megan Montgomery (Heathers: The Musical and Disney’s The Little Mermaid) and De’Vin Lewis (Ghost: The Musical and The Color Purple). 

Stewart has assembled a top-notch production team to bring the 60s into living color at the Pollard. Beehive: The 60s Musical features scenic design by resident artist James A. Hughes (Shrek: The Musical and Company), costume and wig design by resident artist, Michael James (Hairspray & Always, Patsy Cline), Lighting design by Michael Long (American Idiot & To Kill a Mockingbird) along with production stage manager, Dakota Muckelrath.

This jukebox revue showcases songs made famous by the Supremes, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, and other icons. Musical numbers include It’s My Party, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, You Don’t Own Me and Natural Woman, all expressing different facets of the cultural awakening during an era marked by civil rights and a longing for equality.

Stewart explains that audiences should prepare to clap and dance and, in some instances, sing-along. “This show is so energetic and nostalgic that we knew it couldn’t be contained in the seats, so we’ve embraced the audience participation, and, at times, we encourage the audience to join in the fun,” he explains. “This is a true celebration of the contribution these extraordinary women made to rock n’ roll, and our goal is to honor their work.”

Beehive: The 60’s Musical will run April 12 through May 4 at the Pollard Theatre in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Tickets are $30 with senior, military, teacher, student, and group discounts available. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with performances on Thursday, April 25 and May 2 at 8 p.m. and Sundays April 21, and 28 at 2 p.m.. Tickets are available online at www.thepollard.org, by phone, (405) 282-2800 or at the Pollard Box Office, located at 120 W. Harrison Ave., Guthrie, Oklahoma. 

Beehive: The 60s Musical is produced thanks in part to the generous sponsorship of Jeff and Carol Hirzel and Buck and Sharon Adams.

Beehive: The 60's Musical” is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide. The Pollard Theatre Company is produced with additional support from the Oklahoma Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, the Kirkpatrick Foundation, the Inasmuch Foundation, Shubert Foundation, Guthrie Tourism, and Guthrie NewsLeader.

Copyright The Gayly. 3/29/2019 @ 7:50 a.m. CST.