Interview: Kimberlee Ferreira, director of BEEHIVE at Mill Town Players

Beehive, the ultimate celebration of 1960's female empowerment, opens on July 20 at Mill Town Players in Pelzer, SC.

Featuring such timeless classics as "My Boyfriend's Back", "Be My Baby", "Son of a Preacher Man", and "Me and Bobby McGee", Beehive nostalgically recalls the days of miniskirts, transistor radios and flower power.

We asked director Kimberlee Ferreira to give us a preview.

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Please tell us a little about the show.

Beehive is a celebration of the girl groups and power women of the 1960s. Not really a story musical, more of a narrative musical. Lightly weaving signs of the times and major events into and in between some of the songs.

Next, tell us a little about the cast and key crew members.

Five beautiful and talented women who bring their own versatility, personality and vibe to approximately 35 songs. Celia Blitzer, Ashley Wettlin, Beverly Clowney, Meris Privette and Tiffany Nave Stewart (the only one I have not worked with previously) are amazing.
Josh and Hannah Morton also put together an awesome five piece band to rock with the girls: Tim Lee, Russ Chapman, McKelvey Wilder, Robert Johnson, and Alan Nowell. They never disappoint!

How do you handle the changing fashions/hairstyles of the sixties?

Each girl has an array of wigs and costumes. They all help transport us to the 60s. Katie Halstensgard, our costume designer, has done an awesome job putting together all of the ladies' looks. And Tiffany Nave Stewart has styled all of the show's wigs and they look amazing. I want a beehive too!

Why do you think this show has become such a crowdpleaser?

I believe the show continues to be a crowd pleaser because all of the music is so real life. Girls pouring out their hearts and souls about love, want and loss. It takes generations of people back to their younger days, which is what is so incredible about theater - it's ability to take you to a different time, place, and feeling.

What discoveries about the show have you made during the rehearsal process?

Let's see...... we definitely discovered that Tina Turner must be superhuman to continue to prance, shake, shimmy, and sing for such a long time! We also discovered that squirrels and stray cats dig 60s girl group music too??

What are you most excited about sharing with the audience?

I'm excited to share the girls' passion for this music with everyone. You can tell how much they love to sing the songs of this era.

And the set is crazy amazing too!!!

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BEEHIVE: THE 60S MUSICAL

July 20 - Aug 12

Thurs - Sat 7:30pm, Sun 3pm

Mill Town Players

Historic Pelzer Auditorium

214 Lebby Street

Pelzer, SC 29669

www.milltownplayers.org

(864)947-8000

Tickets are only $10, with discounts for seniors, military, and students, and can be purchased online at www.milltownplayers.org, by calling (864)947-8000, or at the door.

Photo credit: Escobar Photography

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