Dancing gracefully in miniskirts while belting out ?60s classics and balancing perfectly coifed beehives on their heads may seem challenging, but a cast of six women is doing it in the name of femininity.
The production is a rendition of Larry Gallagher?s “Beehive: The ?60s Musical” for the Maryland Arts Festival at Towson University, which showcases art in several forms to celebrate women.
Leslie Owens-Harrington, director and choreographer of the show, said it covers the girl groups of the early 1960sand the individual artists of the later 1960s, touching on “the power hitters of the decade and their impact.”
The storyline involves a group of girlfriends who throw a slumber party and entertain themselves by dressing up and imitating female singers of the 1960s.
The production gives audiences a decade?s worth of hits from singers like Leslie Gore, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin.
David Bielenberg, executive director of the festival, said the show features “40 songs that people will find familiar and want to sing along to.” He recommended it as a great introduction to the Maryland Art Festival because it is one of the “cornerstones” that people are sure to enjoy.
Even if you weren?t around in the ?60s, you probably know the catchy tunes like “It?s my Party,” “My Boyfriend?s Back” and “One Fine Day.”
“The music truly spans time, even though it was composed in the 1960s,” Owens-Harrington said.
Aside from the feel-good music, the costumes are eye candy and the choreography will take you back to the days of go-go dancing.
“It?s a great family show and we even go into the audience and get people involved,” Owens-Harrington said. “You?ll want to pat a foot and clap a hand.”
Beehive: The ?60s Musical
Paying at Maryland Arts Festival through July 16 at the Towson University, Center of the Arts.
» Tickets: $18 to $25
» More info: 410-704-2787 or
www.towson.edu/maf
