2000 WHS graduate performs in Boston July 25-28, 2007

She’s nowhere near old enough to remember the 1960s, but Wakefield’s own Kate Feerick is clearly excited to have a starring role in the current national tour of Beehive, the 60s Musical, which opens with a four-night run at the Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston Wednesday July 25 through Saturday July 28, 2007.

Reached by phone in Pennsylvania where she is currently in rehearsals, the professional actress and 2000 Wakefield (MA) High School graduate talked about the show, which celebrates ‘60s girl groups like the Chiffons, the Supremes and the Shirelles as well as female solo artists like Leslie Gore, Aretha Franklin, Connie Francis, Janis Joplin and Petula Clark.

“It’s a fun show,” Feerick says. “The music is so wonderful and ‘60s women were so strong.”

In addition to being jam-packed with memorable tunes, the musical affectionately pokes fun at the era of miniskirts and big hair. The show boasts 43 wigs, 40 costumes, 25 cans of hairspray and over 40 of the ‘60s greatest hits.

In the show, Feerick sings lead for the Shangri-Las’ “Remember (Walking in the Sand),” “Give Him a Great Big Kiss” and “I Can Never Go Home Again.” As Leslie Gore, she sings “It’s My Party” “Where the Boys Are” “Judy’s Turn to Cry” and “You Don’t Own Me.” She also croons “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” as Dusty Springfield, in addition to performing backup for other girl groups featured in the show.

In Beehive, Feerick shares the stage with seven other talented female performers, including Teanna Berry, Alicia Campbell, Patrice Covington, Elizabeth Gross, Emily Cara Portune, Jillian Nyhan Zygo and Courtney Washington.

Feerick credits her mom, Susan, for exposing her to the music of the ‘60s. “She introduced me to this music before anyone,” Feerick says. But the eight young women in the Beehive cast also did their own homework, according to Feerick.

“We did a lot of research on the Internet and watched a lot of clips,” Feerick points out. “I learned the lingo and how they acted. I enjoy the era. It was an amazing time for music.”

While at Wakefield High School, Feerick was active in the Drama Club and the Chamber Singers. At WHS, she was seen on stage in The Music Man, Li’l Abner, Pirates of Penzance and Anything Goes.

Feerick graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in theater. She has performed in musicals and in straight drama, but prefers musicals. At UNH, she was cast as Laurey, the female lead in Okalahoma, and also played the lead female role of Christine in Phantom of the Opera. Her other college acting credits include Blood Brothers and Godspell.

When she’s not working, Feerick enjoys animals and photography. She also likes to travel, which is a good thing because after its four-night run in Boston, the Beehive tour heads out west to Arizona and California before wrapping up in early December.

“I really like that time off during the holidays,” Feerick admits. “I like to visit family in Wakefield and New Hampshire.”

Feerick is also looking forward to seeing family and friends at the upcoming Boston shows.

“I really do love what I do,” Feerick says, “and I hope they get to see how much I love it. It’s a fun show. Whether you’re from that era or not, you’re really going to enjoy the show.”

Beehive runs at the Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont Street in Boston’s Historic Theatre District Wednesday, July 25 through Saturday, July 28. Show times are 8 p.m. For tickets, phone Telecharge at 1-800-233-3123 or go online at http://www.maj.org.

[This story originally appeared in the July 18, 2007 Wakefield Daily Item.]