Turn up the volume and bounce up your beehive hairdo. Fringe Theatre is bringing back the beat with its summer production of “Beehive: The ‘60s Musical.” This high-octane tribute to the trailblazing women who redefined popular music runs July 29 through Aug. 2, at 7 p.m. in the historic Armory, 600 White St.
“Beehive: The’ 60s Musical” was created by Larry Gallagher, a working agent looking for a way to get his performers on stage and in front of audiences. He had already earned early acclaim for his hit musical revue “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” in the early 1980s. Just a few years later, Beehive was a smash hit Off-Broadway, and has remained in worldwide production ever since.
Fringe’s Beehive is more than a jukebox musical — it’s a time machine.
The show traces the music of the era from the perspective of six young women. It moves them from the innocence of first love to the complexity of a changing nation. It’s a powerhouse soundtrack that includes songs made famous by Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, Dusty Springfield, Lesley Gore, The Supremes and more.
Fringe Theater’s Beehive is directed by Aramis Ikatu, with musical direction by Jordan Sommer, and choreography/costumes by Ervin Tumm.
Together, Ikatu and Tumm helped recruit George Fernandez, Red Shoe Island Bistro, Royal Furniture and Jeff’s Gems to sponsor the show.
Beehive showcases the onstage talents of Alexa LoDuca, Anahi Garcia, Andie Rose Roberts, Ervin Tumm, Felicity Delostrinos and Mariah Woessner almost all of whom got their start with local theater programs like Bravo Youth Theater and Key West High School Drama Club
. Audiences will love their renditions of the show’s classic ‘60s hits that include “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “I Never Loved a Man,” “Where the Boys Are,” “Cry Baby,” “It’s My Party,” “River Deep – Mountain High,” “Proud Mary” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”
“We of course want the audience to leave dancing, yes — but we also want them to remember how powerful music can be when it becomes a voice for change,” said Ikatu. “And this music is powerful, whether you listened to it in the ‘60s or are discovering it for the first time.” General admission tickets are available at FringeTheater.org or by calling the KeysTix box office at 305‑295‑7676. Seating is limited and advance purchase is highly recommended. Fringe’s “Beehive: The ‘60s Musical” runs five nights only, July 29 through Aug. 2, in the Armory, 600 White St.
