By Joseph Knoop
The sounds of the 1960s will ring in your ears and memories from that transformational decade will likely resurface when the musical “Beehive” is presented at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheatre in Fishers on July 19.
The musical is a high energy tribute to the 60s girl bands, complete with performances of “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” by Aretha Franklin and “Where the Boys Are” by Connie Francis, “Beehive” tells the story of five women reminiscing about their time together as singers, imitating the various groups of the time.
It will also be the first performance by new Fishers theatre company, the Nickel Plate Players.
“I wanted to do the show because it kind of covers the women’s movement, and I think that’s an important aspect to show,” said Ashton Wolf, director of “Beehive” and executive director of the Nickel Plate Players.
The group is a cooperative effort between community leaders to bring theatre to Fishers. “Beehive” will be the first production to come from the work of Fishers residents.
“We have a really talented group of people, and a responsible cast, which is awesome in an unpaid production,” said Carrie Barnthouse, an actor and assistant choreographer. “People have really taken ownership of the show and bring professional level performances.”
The company currently rehearses at the Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy in Fishers, which also acts as one of seven sponsors. Despite developing the show in the modest school, located in a commercial park off of 126th Street, the production relies on the enthusiasm of community members.
“There’s so many people over here now that I think having something new right in the vicinity kind of attracted them,” said Sandy Thorne, an actress and “Beehive” co-producer. “It seems like it’s easier to get the girls interested in it, but these fantastic voices showed up. Even people usually behind the scenes, it’s not much fun, people came to us saying ‘I love what you’re doing. How can I get involved?’”
The ultimate goal of the Nickel Plate Players is to establish a permanent home for community produced theatre.
“Beehive” ● A Nickel Plate Players production ● 7 p.m. July 19 ● Nickel Plate District Amphitheater ● 6 Municipal Dr. in Fishers ● Free ● For more information visit www.nickelplatearts.org.
