Beehive: the ‘60s Musical Presented by River City Theatre Co

Jul 19, 2023 | 2023 Articles, Reedley News, Terrance V. Mc Arthur, Theatre

Once upon a time, there was a place called the 1960s. There was music, and there were girl groups, and there was big hair, especially . . . . . Beehive Hairdos. Journey with me now to the Reedley Opera House, where the River City Theatre Company presents . . . . . Beehive, the ‘60s Musical through July 30.

Cast of RCTC’s production of “Beehive”

It’s a trip through the music of the decade on the female side of pop, from the sweetness of the girl groups like the Shirelles and the Supremes to the harder rock and R&B of Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and Janis Joplin. Along the way, the development of women’s issues and independence weaves its way as a subtext. It’s about music, but it’s also about empowerment.

Three dozen songs and a few costume changes later, and it’s hard to tell who did what. Each performer has opportunities to shine. Flashes of memory pick out moments that remain after the show.

Cassandra Charles helps introduce the cast and break the ice with the audience with that classic Shirley Ellis hit, “The Name Game.” Later in the evening, she takes prisoners with Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools” and gets the crowd on their feet dancing to the song “beehive dance.”

Andrea Cerda rocks Lesley Gore and “It’s My Party,” and slides through “Be My Baby” like butter. Amber Paredez has that “good things come in small packages” vibe when she rips into “You Can’t Hurry Love.”
Audra Jones pumps up “Baby I Love You” and gets to demonstrate how a knee-length skirt can roll up to mini-length. Holly Salcido has loop-de-loop hair in the first act and gives the Phil Spector Wall of Sound a run for its money on “And Then He Kissed Me.”

Krystle Chamberlain gets the perfect cry in her voice for “Where the Boys Are.” Robin Silva does one fine job with “One Fine Day.” Florence C. Molano captures that burning-yearning quality that made “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” a classic.

Camille Gaston has built an amazing reputation for her theatrical versatility and the strength of her voice. Now, she shows off her directing and choreographing chops by making a big show on a tiny stage. In addition, she makes a surprise tour-de-force appearance as Tina Turner. Camille pumps high octane into “River Deep” and “Proud Mary,” making you think somebody should check the graveyard to see if someone is missing.

Preston T. Ward’s set is a wide stairway of platforms. Thankfully, some cast members are always given a hand to hold when going down the steps. Old 45 rpm records decorate the walls, and pop-art daisy images float in the air. The ‘60s come alive in the costumes of Florence C. Molano and Maria Rodriguez.

One person who needs special recognition for her contribution to the success of this show is Lillie F. Valencia, a veritable Wizard of Wigs. She has recreated and reinterpreted the hairstyles of the era, from towering Beehives to swooping bouffants to the once-braided explosions of hair and that pile of tunnels of hair that used to be achieved by wrapping hair around orange juice cans. The sheer volume of her work—and the sheer volume of some of those do’s—is mindboggling. I wonder: how many cans of AquaNet Ultimate Hold hairspray died for this musical?

The Reedley Opera House is at 1720 10th St., Reedley, CA. For ticket information, check the RCTC website. Put on your go-go boots and go see Beehive, the ‘60s Musical!

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Terrance V. Mc Arthur worked for the Fresno County Public Library for three decades. He is retired, but not retiring. A storyteller, puppeteer, writer, actor, magician, basketmaker, and all-around interesting person, his goal is to make life more unusual for everyone he meets.