It's "One Fine Day" to See Beehive: The '60s Musical!

Beehive isn't your typical musical. While Theatre By the Sea has produced other "jukebox" musicals -- musicals comprised of existing pop-songs -- Beehive is unique in its approach to the material. Unlike Forever Plaid there isn't a plot, and unlike the Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show or Buddy: the Buddy Holly Story this musical isn't following specific performers. Instead, the six-woman show evokes the feeling of the '60s, taking audiences through the decade via songs. Without characters or a story-line to lean on, the performances have to carry the show alone. And in the case of Theatre By the Sea's production, they 100% do.

The show opens with Wanda, played by Inuka Ivaska, who tells us that during her teenage years in the early 60s she and her friends loved to listen to the radio and sing along. We see the girls Wanda's bedroom, where they sing songs like "It's My Party" and "Where the Boys Are" as well as other early '60s classics.

Inuka Ivaska as Wanda

Audiences are sure to laugh during "You Can't Hurry Love" and "My Boyfriend's Back," and they'll be bopping along to "One Fine Day." But it's the second half of the show that packs a secret punch.

The cast sings in Wanda's teenage bedroom

After the intermission the actresses are no longer playing teenage girls singing along with the radio, but instead they portray individual singers from the time period.

Karissa Harris wows as Tina Turner performing "River Deep, Mountain High" and "Proud Mary." Not only can she sing like Turner but in her gold fringed dress she proves she has the moves too.

L-R: Amanda Lea Lavergne, Karissa Harris (as Tina Turner), Inuka Ivaska, and Merrill Peiffer

Alana Cauthen is wonderful as Aretha Franklin, bringing so much heart and soul to her performance of "Chain of Fools."

Alana Cauthen as Aretha Franklin

Merrill Peiffer's performance as Janis Joplin is impressive to say the least. Peiffer captures Joplin's essence while performing three songs without the assistance of backup singers or props. She is energetic and funny, and has the voice to boot. Audiences will no doubt be humming "Me and Bobby McGee" to themselves for days after seeing Peiffer's performance.

Merrill Peiffer as Janis Joplin

Through music alone this show is able to capture the time period, showing how the roles and views of women changed from waiting by the telephone for a boy to call to going out and getting what you want for yourself. This is captured by the lyrics, the tunes, the clothes, and the performances of all six actresses. It is a moving tribute to a time period that changed the world and the roles of women in it.

Beehive is playing at Theatre By the Sea in Matunuck, R.I. Tuesdays through Sundays until June 18th; tickets are $46 - $72. See the website for details, or call the box office at 401-782-8587.


Pictures by Steven Richard Photography