soulciti Review

Take one part comedy, two parts musical genius, six parts vocal dynamite, a little dash of sass and soul and what you get is a funky good time. The ladies of the Beehive ensemble take big hair to a whole new level and certainly have the voices to match. In one evening they belt out a review that rocks and rolls the audience through a virtual timeline, spanning two decades of classics from the world’s greatest girl groups and singers.

Speaking of the audience, the line between viewer and performer becomes a bit blurred at times. Everyone is a part of the show, from theater goers dressed in hot pants and “cat woman” glasses, to others sporting their own version of the infamous cotton candy inspired “Up Do.” This is a show where kids and grandparents can twist the night away, and lucky fellas are serenaded throughout the course of the evening. Even if you aren’t dancing in the aisles, you can’t help but tap your toes and sing along with many of these great hits.

So here’s the lowdown on the highlights of the show. First, let me say that all of these sistas have major vocals. The show opens with a tribute to the wonder product that forever changed the face (or hair) of fashion and beauty, Aquanet. It is during this homage to high hair that we get our first taste of the treats that are to come. Rebecca Schoolar opens the show with a booming voice, in true sixties style, on a colorful, comical, and lively set that would do Warhol and Basquiet proud.

Now you know, one sure fire talent barometer is being able to hang note for note with legendary divas. Felicia Dinwiddie takes any measuring stick and breaks it with her rendition of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” Originally written for the Shirelles, many may remember this classic from the ever-talented Roberta Flack. With seemingly effortless range and sultry ease, Felicia’s performance left us with temporary amnesia as to who could have possible sung this piece before her. I’m sure the gentleman in the third row is still recovering from his “intimate” vantage point during this piece.

And just when you start to wonder whether or not the entire ensemble can hold their own, newcomer Kia Dawn Fulton takes the stage as the venerable Miss Ross and puts any doubts to rest. From “Where Did Our Love Go?”, to iconic tunes like “Stop! In the Name of Love”, to my personal favorite, “I Hear a Symphony”, Kia sang and looked the part in a flowing white feather trimmed gown, glamorous hair and makeup to match.

It seems that this would all be difficult to follow up, but Merideth McCall shows her stuff in a funny version of “I’m Sorry.” Now this is a lesser known piece in my circles, but none the less, it really showcased the versatility of Merideth’s voice and was a hit with the audience.

ACT II should be entitled “Battle of the Divas”. Opening with Andra Mitrovich taking us into a new era with “The Beat Goes On”, we soon realize that the A in Andra definitely stands for ATTITUDE. She brings it again in Aretha’s “A Natural Woman.” I know, I know… You’re thinking “NOBODY can fill Aretha’s shoes!” And you’re probably right, but Andrea gets as close as I’ve seen in a long time. The girl is Bad!

Not to be out done, Judy Arnold brings her magic to the Aretha tribute with a sultry version of “Do Right Woman.” And here’s where I thought for sure the spirits of Aretha, Gladys, Diana, and every other mega watt Diva had taken over. In a mike exchange that would make Patti LaBelle blush, Andra and Judy give the audience everything they’ve got. I fully expected to see heels kicked off and flying across the stage as they both took the production to a new high! Without so much as a swallow of water, Judy continued taking us higher with an electric jolt of classic Tina, culminating with “Proud Mary.”

Okay, so here’s one of the major surprises in the show. Andra’s portrayal of Janis Joplin really captured the universal appeal of Joplin’s music. She came out on stage looking like George Clinton’s long, long lost sister with pieces of feather boa in her hair and a psycadellic get up that made me feel like I had taken a ride with Puff the Magic Dragon. But in true Funkadelic fashion, she rocked the house with “Piece of My Heart”. Like other blues/ rock/ folk singers of Joplin’s day (Joni Mitchell comes to mind) the influence and reach of the music is still felt today.

Before I sign off, I have to give it up for the band. Under the direction of Allen Robertson, they were the musical back drop for our entire adventure. This was my first Beehive experience and I have a funny feeling it won’t be my last. The show reminds you of how good these songs make you feel and even if you weren’t around to see these acts first hand, you’re guaranteed to know and love their timeless and classic music. Silly and serious, funny and phenomenal, it’s a production you can see time and time again without ever growing tired. Hopefully this beat will go on for many generations to come.

Reviewed by LushLife for soulciti on Saturday, August 23rd