Beehive, the '60s Musical

Beehive, the '60s Musical is a fun, energetic show that focuses on music that made the 1960s great, more specifically from the female artists who were pioneers of a generation.

With a sellout crowd of seasoned theater patrons (many of whom experienced the '60s firsthand), the audience was ready made to enjoy the familiar hits that still grace the oldies radio stations today. With a strong ensemble of female vocalists, along with an aesthetically pleasing and period appropriate set, there's plenty to love with this latest offering from Las Vegas Little Theater.

Playwright Larry Gallagher doesn't over think the room with a complicated plot surrounded by the songs. Instead, he has a narrator of sorts (Malia Blunt) reminisce about the goings on at the time, from the British Invasion to JFK, all the while reflecting on being a teenager during the 1960s. The other actresses chime in with memories of their own, but the star of the show is clearly the songs. In all, it's a light, fun and effective music review.

Director E. Wayne Worley assembled an impressive collection of eight vocalists, each getting plenty of chances to shine. Pinpointing great moments during the evening is a bit difficult (as there were many), but some included Evelyn Connors' performing Dusty Springfield's "Son Of A Preacher Man," Breonna Dobbs offering her best Diana Ross with a Supremes medley, Isabella Rooks singing "One Fine Day," Cherity Harchis performing "You Don't Own Me," and Malia Blunt singing "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?."

Some of the show stopper moments (and my personal favorites) included Kaci Machacyk's spot on impression of Janis Joplin and her iconic songs "Me And Bobby McGee" and "Cry Baby," Jillian Austin offering a wonderful rendition of Tina Turner's version of "Proud Mary," and Nakaze Harris and her amazing Aretha Franklin tribute with "I Never Loved A Man The Way I Loved You."

As far as local Las Vegas theater is concerned, not a lot of musicals are being performed. It's refreshing for audiences and actors alike to have the opportunity to experience the genre in the valley. Especially considering these eight talented actresses, "Beehive" is an absolute treat.

The set design by Ron Lindblom is particularly strong, offering a colorful and useful general staging that captures the essence of what you might see on TV variety shows of the 1960s. Also effectively capturing the decade's look would be the costume design by Rose Scarborough, carefully offering the transitions that occurred as the 60s progressed.

The only concern I had about the production was the occasional feedback coming from the microphones. I'm confident that adjustments will be made to assure the stellar vocals will be front and center, free of any distractions.

"Beehive" continues its run through July 30 at Las Vegas Little Theater, 3920 Schiff Drive in Las Vegas, Nevada. For tickets and information, visit www.lvlt.org