Greenbrier Valley Theatre (GVT), the State Professional Theatre of West Virginia, proudly presents Beehive!, a ‘60s musical featuring classic songs by some of the most talented women of the era. The rocking revue runs Aug. 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 2-5 and 9-12 at 7:30 p.m., with a Pay-What-You-Can Preview Performance on Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m. and a Matinee Performance on Sept. 6 at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $27 for general admission, $24 for seniors and $20 for children/students.
Dinner is available for an additional $20, catered by The Mason Jar. For tickets or more information contact the GVT Box Office at 304-645-3838 or visit www.gvtheatre.org.
This colorful celebration of the songstresses of the ‘60s showcases some of the decade’s favorite hits. The musical revue features 40 songs by artists ranging from girl groups such as The Chiffons and the Supremes to Leslie Gore, Petula Clark, Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin. Featuring such hit songs as “Where Did Our Love Go?,” “Wishin’ and Hopin’,” “Proud Mary,” “Respect,” and “Me and Bobby McGee,” Beehive! is sure to keep your toes tapping.
Music from the ‘60s was crucial to the social revolution that changed the world, and the female musicians of that era opened doors for later female artists. From Leslie Gore and her innocent early hits to Janis Joplin with her psychedelic blues vocals to Aretha Franklin and her powerful demand for “Respect,” and everything in between, Beehive! remembers it all.
Donald Laney, director and choreographer, wanted to create a fun and exciting tribute to these musical icons, a trip to the past through songs that helped create such a defining era.
“Beehive! is a retrospective of some of the hits throughout the 1960s. The story takes us through the history the evolution of Women’s Rights and the music reflects the story,” Laney said.
The lively musical not only highlights the powerful vocals from the era, but brings to the stage favorite dances and choreography. Laney explained that the staging and choreography revolve around the music. He spent countless hours researching girl groups and dances from the revolutionary decade to draw inspiration from the leading ladies dance, but the show still has a fresh look.
“The creative process is to respect and honor the integrity of the songs but not necessarily to impersonate the originals. We’re reflecting on the original performances of the numbers as a jumping off point and creating something fresh and exciting for the audiences as we take them down memory lane,” Laney said.
