A Groovy Trip Down Memory Lane with 'Beehive' at Desert Theatre Works

The Full Scoop: Big Hair, Big Vocals, and 60s Soul

If you’re looking for a deep, soul-searching drama with a complex plot... keep walking, because Beehive: The 60s Musical isn’t that. But if you want a night that feels like a glittery, high-octane concert through the most influential decade in music history? Then you need to get down to Desert Theatre Works in Indio.

Our guy Kevin Mann from NBC Palm Springs caught the show, and he’s calling it a "musical guide" rather than your standard Broadway book musical. Think of it as a living, breathing jukebox of the 1960s. The set is pure nostalgia—we’re talking "Partridge Family bus" vibes mixed with plenty of glitter. They’ve also leaned into some stellar projection design, which is a nice touch because it gives you a sense of what was actually happening in the world while these iconic songs were topping the charts.

The real stars here are the four women on stage: Heather Bates, Linda Ceniceros, Kelly McDaniel, and Celeste Coco Owens. They take you on a journey from the innocent, synchronized doo-wop girl groups of the early 60s all the way to the gritty, powerhouse rock divas of the late 60s. From The Supremes and Aretha to Janis Joplin and Tina Turner, these ladies knock it out of the park.

Now, being a live show, there were a few bumps. Because the music is pre-recorded, there were a couple of "blink-and-you-miss-it" moments where the singers got a tiny bit off-track, but like true pros, they recovered instantly. Some of the transitions felt a little abrupt—like the song just ended and moved on without much of a bridge—and the set changes took a beat too long. But honestly? Once those vocals kicked back in, you totally forgot about the technical hiccups.

If you’re a fan of Dusty Springfield or Jefferson Starship, this is your playground. The show runs Thursday through Sunday until April 4th. Grab your tickets at dtworks.org and go get your 60s fix!