Make Your Own Kind of Music

Beehive: The 60’s Musical

“Round the Beehive/Let’s Rock!” opens this infectious musical revue that features the hit songs of the 60’s. And the six extraordinary young women who bring this show to life at the Milwaukee Rep really mean it. They absolutely rock. After the previous decade that gave birth to rock and roll, the genre continued to evolve and reinvent itself in the years that followed. But what made rocking around the clock in the swinging 60’s even more exciting was the sudden rise of all those phenomenal female soloists and a bevy of gifted Girl Groups. All the artists in this revue get to showcase their considerable musical and choreographic talents, providing powerhouse vocals, close harmonies, spirited interpretations and bouncy beats in their performances.

Created by Larry Gallagher, the show is a loving tribute to a far more innocent time. Hearing the songs from this era will fill Baby Boomers with nostalgia. The music will instantly transport them back to their junior high and high school years, the day they discovered their first love, experienced their breakups and the moment when they struck out for individual independence. Guided with empathy and care by Laura Braza, the revue features tight musical direction provided by the talented Tommy Vendafreddo, faithful 60’s choreography courtesy of David P. Roman and lovely costumes by Jason Orlenko.

This song-filled journey through a decade of change is told from the perspective of six different young women who sizzle with talent. Charismatic and remarkably talented Jamie Mercado plays Wanda. She serves as our guide, narrating and taking us through the decade and introducing the female performers of the 60’s. Ms Mercado also proves to be a strong dancer as well as a beautiful singer. Tess Marshall is a gorgeous standout performer as Pattie. This gifted singer has the purest, most crystal clear voice, especially when singing Lesley Gore’s “It’s My Party” and “You Don’t Own Me.”

Amaya White, as Gina, dazzles in so many numbers, but she tears up the stage as Tina Turner. The Stackner Cabaret comes alive when Ms White launches into “River Deep Mountain High” and, especially, “Proud Mary.” Playing Jasmine, gorgeous Desiree Tolodziecki is magnificent as Diana Ross, caressing the Supreme notes of “Where Did Our Love Go?” and “Come See About Me.” But this talented young lady really lets loose in the second act with her rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

Jackey Boelkow, who plays Alison, brings “The Name Game” to a melodic conclusion with her challenging, three-syllable moniker. Later, she charms the audience with “My Boyfriend’s Back” and then lovingly croons the Connie Francis hit, “Where the Boys Are.” And as Laura, the amazing Sarah Lynn Marion impresses with so many songs, but in Act II when she morphs into powerhouse performer Janis Joplin, the cabaret crowd turns into a cheering audience of fans. Ms Marion authentically delivers “Somebody to Love,” “Cry Baby,” “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)” and the infectious “Me and Bobby McGee,” which turns into an audience sing-along.

Also offering an extensive menu of delicious food and beverages to enjoy before the performance and during intermission, the Stackner Cabaret is one of Milwaukee’s theatrical treasures. Just in time for the holidays, Laura Brazza’s delectable production of “Beehive” offers two hours of melodic and nostalgic bliss. Celebrating girl power and the musical contributions of women, and performed by a mega talented cast, the show features so many songs of the 60’s. They include such hits as “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “One Fine Day,” “Be My Baby,” “Then He Kissed Me,” “To Sir With Love,” and the heartbreaking “Abraham, Martin and John.” Each song evokes a fond memory and takes the audience on an emotional journey providing a real blast from the past. The revue concludes with Mama Cass Elliot’s nostalgic hit that sums up the entire evening, “Make Your Own Kind of Music.” This, and every other song in this ravishing revue will have theatergoers clapping their hands, tapping their feet, singing along and dancing in their seats with glee.   

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 11-January 15 by the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, presented in the Stackner Cabaret, located in the Associated Bank River Center, 108 East Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI.

Tickets are available in person at the theatre box office, by calling 414-224-9490 or by going to http://www.milwaukeerep.com/.

More information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.