Beehive…the 60’s Musical was originally produced in a New York City nightclub named Sweetwaters in November of 1985. Conceived and directed by the late Larry Gallagher and featuring over forty tunes that topped the charts in that remarkable decade, it proved to be an instant success with critics and audiences alike. 

In March of 1986, it transferred to a larger Off-Broadway venue called Top of the (Village) Gate. There, Beehive defied all odds and ran for more than 600 performances, spawned a national tour and had sitdown runs in many major cities, including Chicago, Washington D.C. and Toronto.  Internationally, it even found success with
a company in Japan. 

Why has Beehive proved to be so popular?  Probably because it is a high voltage, fastpaced and nostalgic look back at all the great “girl groups” and female artists of the decade.  With songs that were made famous by the likes of the Shirelles, the Angels, the Chiffons and the Supremes, as well as artists as diverse as Lesley Gore, Brenda Lee, Petula Clark, Connie Francis, Janis Ian, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and Janis Joplin, this journey down memory lane is jampacked with great music.  Lovingly spoofed with a wink and a smile (as well as dozens of cans of hairspray…) it reminds us how music reflects our lives and the changing times we live in.  It also reminds us what an indelible impression so many of these women made. 

Unlike the month of March, the ‘60’s came in like a “lamb” and went out like a “lion.”  From the early days of the Kennedy’s and “Camelot” to the onset of Rock ‘n’ Roll, a British musical invasion, asassinations, Vietnam and protest movements, Woodstock and a newfound drug culture…it was a decade unlike any other. But the music had a unique heart and soul that often gave us hope and kept us riveted.  And there were so many female entertainers who became and remain icons. 

The rhythm of a decade, as heard through the female voices of the day, proved memorable and lasting.

-- Gary John La Rosa, Director/Choreographer