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El Portal Theatre, North Hollywood CA

LOS ANGELES TIMES THEATER REVIEW

'Beehive': Revisiting the hits and hair of the '60s

"Beehive" is enjoyably light but sincere in its care for the music and nods to social struggle.

By Daryl H. Miller
Times Staff Writer

September 27, 2006

Lively songs, a strong nostalgia factor and a bit of armchair social theory — that's about all there is to "Beehive," a revue of pop hits by women recording artists of the 1960s. Yet it's as airy and showy as the hair soufflés of its title, thanks to the Aqua Net lacquer of talent that holds it together.

A couple of the area's go-to people — director Nick DeGruccio and choreographer Lee Martino — are the stylists in charge of this production by the new Valley Musical Theatre at North Hollywood's El Portal.

The music cooks from the get-go as music director-keyboardist Jim Vukovich and five bandmates lay down the driving rhythms over which "Beehive's" six female vocalists will soar. The singers arrive under gravity-defying towers of hair, which draw the first of many laughs. Yet while comedy is an important part of this show, the music is its focus and, despite occasional parodic indulgences (Diana Ross having a diva moment or Janis Joplin chugging booze straight from the bottle), the songs are performed with honesty and affection.

Early on, the show turns the radio dial back to the early '60s and the close harmonies of the girl groups then popular. Among that number, of course, are Diana Ross and the Supremes. "American Idol" contestant LaToya London, the cast's most famous member, re-creates the Ross sound: smooth bordering on breathy in all the right places.

The vocal offerings are distributed fairly evenly among the cast, giving each performer at least one standout moment. For Kathleen Hennessey, it comes in a song set saluting drama queens Lesley Gore, Brenda Lee and Connie Francis, when she lets rip on Gore's "You Don't Own Me." As it progresses through the '60s, "Beehive" — created by Larry Gallagher and notable for its off-Broadway success in 1986-87 — tries to place the music in a larger context. Screens built into the colorful, luminescent backdrop deliver a slide show that charts the era from its hopeful beginnings through its spirit-crushing assassinations and wartime losses.

Struggles for equality also are traced, with the show's second half given over to several of the most powerful women's voices to emerge during that era.

Sylvia MacCalla raises the shout as Aretha Franklin demands a little "Respect," Tricia Kelly rips her soul apart in Joplin's "Piece of My Heart," and Lesli Margherita thunders through Grace Slick's "White Rabbit." The most dramatic declaration of independence is made, however, by Stacy Francis' Tina Turner — all legs and hair and incandescence — as she roars through "River Deep Mountain High" and "Proud Mary." "Beehive" asks us to remember these recording artists for the voices they lent to social progress, and so, for all its froth, it also deserves — let's spell it out with Aretha, now — R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

daryl.miller@latimes.com

The hairdos stretch up into the stratosphere, the Aqua Net cans spray freely, and glorious sounds of the 1960s — from American Bandstand to Motown — are nostalgically conjured in Larry Gallagher's sprightly revue. Saluting female pop-rock soloists and groups by spotlighting a splendid array of vintage jukebox hits, Gallagher's bare-bones 1985 vehicle relies heavily on prodigious performers. Thankfully, director Nick DeGruccio selected six spirited and accomplished actors for this maiden effort from the Valley Musical Theatre, enhancing the proceedings with stylish and vibrant staging.

Incorporating minimal narration, related by the performers, Gallagher's text presents a skeletal chronology of social changes and stellar careers. The tone is bubblegum-bright throughout, except for a brief segment of solemn reflection during the first-act closing number, "The Beat Goes On," which recalls the JFK assassination, the Vietnam War, the African American battle for civil rights, and other challenging milestones of the post-Eisenhower years. Uncredited slide projections, scenic designer Andrew Hammer's attractive unit set, Thomas G. Marquez's authentic costumes, and Steven Young's lush lighting — highlighted by delicious shades of Pepto-Bismol pink — deftly capture the period. Lee Martino's delightful choreography, coupled with rousing work from music director Jim Vukovich and his six-piece combo, brings out the best in the parade of evergreen chart-toppers.

Yet the production's strongest asset is the ensemble of six triple-threat performers. They sing and dance with consummate polish, honoring the great singing ladies and their indelible songs. Top-billed LaToya London (of TV's American Idol) is a superstar in the making. Whether supremely leading her co-stars as Diana Ross in a Supremes medley or in the dazzling "Beehive Dance," she's a glittering presence. Other impersonations are also spot on: Tricia Kelly's take on booze-swilling Janis Joplin, Stacy Francis' explosive Tina Turner, and Lesli Margherita's showstopping re-creation of Connie Francis' "Where the Boys Are." Sylvia MacCalla has her moments of glory in an Aretha Franklin medley, and Kathleen Hennessey sparkles crooning Lulu's "To Sir With Love" and Lesley Gore's "It's My Party." This exuberant baby-boomer songfest provides an auspicious launch for producer Ronn Goswick's ambitious new company.

 

'Beehive' rates an A+
BroadwayWorld.com

by Michael A. Lever

No, it’s not a rogue ember from the Lockwood Valley “Day” fire that’s causing ash to rise over the El Portal Theater in North Hollywood.   Rather, it’s the incredible talent and energy emanating from Valley Musical Theater’s 60’s musical “Beehive” that’s nothing short of smoking hot! 

Executive Director Ronn Goswick’s ambitious new endeavor, VMT, is off to a rousing start with a remounting of Larry Gallagher’s “Beehive,” a sweet, silly, soulful romp highlighting some of the best songs of the 1960’s made popular by some of the best female singers of the day.  Tight harmonies and “Teased to Jesus” wigs bring to life classic girl group hits from pop chart mainstays The Angels, The Chiffons, The Shirelles and The Supremes.  Clever costumes and crafty staging give punch to that decades' darlings Connie Francis, Brenda Lee and Leslie Gore.  The female contingency of the British Invasion is well represented by tunes from Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield and Lulu.A haunting tribute to the turbulent political climate, by way of a soulful rendition of “The Beat Goes On” sets a somber, reflective tone going into intermission.  A rousing Act II, featuring stand out takes on Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin leaves the audience panting for more.  Add to that a closing that will no doubt have you "Dancing In the Streets."  It’s frothy and feel good and that’s the way I like it!

From start to finish, “Beehive” oozed talent and creativity.  As a group, the “Beehive” babes vocal blend is first rate, often times sounding better than the girls they are paying tribute to (Kudos to sound designer Philip G. Allen for effortlessly mixing six strong vocals with and rocking live band!)  Stand outs in a group of standouts: Stacy Francis’ soaring and sexy “Proud Mary” is electrifying; Tricia Kelly channels Janis Joplin to startling effect and Lesli Margherita brings impeccable comic relief throughout.  Rounding out the ensemble is Kathleen Hennessey, Sylvia MaCalla and former “Idol” contestant LaToya London, who proves that America got it all wrong.  The girl not only can ‘sang’ but is a nimble dancer and exudes a warm and winning presence on stage.  Musical Director Jim Vukovich ignites the six piece band and is also responsible for some amazing music and vocal arrangements.Lighting and scenic design are effective.

If you are looking for a great evening of pure entertainment, back-comb your hair, strap on your dancing shoes and shimmy on over to the El Portal Theater in North Hollywood.  “Beehive” runs until October 8th.  For more information go to www.elportaltheatre.com or www.valleymusicaltheatre.com