Never Can Say Goodbye: The 70s Beehive Musical

Never Can Say Goodbye to the ’70s: The Beehive Musical Rocks Winter Park Playhouse’s Grand Reopening

Never Can Say Goodbye: The 70s Beehive Musical is the sizzling new jukebox musical celebrating the iconic female voices, bold fashions, and unforgettable hits of the 1970s. It serves as the spiritual sequel to the beloved Beehive: The ’60s Musical. Get ready to party in platforms and bell bottoms — this high-energy tribute to sisterhood, self-expression, and cultural revolution arrives at The Winter Park Playhouse for its Southeastern Regional Premiere from August 7–30, 2026 (with previews on August 6 & 7). It also marks the grand reopening of the theater’s beautifully renovated home at 711 N. Orange Avenue in Winter Park, Florida.

From the Swinging ’60s to the Disco Decade

The original Beehive: The ’60s Musical (created by Larry Gallagher) was a high-energy revue told through the eyes of six young women coming of age amid the era’s transformative music and social changes. It featured powerhouse performances of girl-group and rock classics. Never Can Say Goodbye: The ’70s Beehive Musical picks up the torch with the same winning formula but shifts the spotlight to the 1970s. Book writer Fred Stuart and arranger/orchestrator George Luton (with additional music) have crafted a dynamic follow-up that captures the decade’s empowering spirit, from heartfelt ballads to glittering disco anthems. The show features a flexible cast of six incredible women delivering more than 30 well-loved songs made famous by artists including Gloria Gaynor (“I Will Survive”), Linda Ronstadt (“You’re No Good”), Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Diana Ross, and many more — including tracks like “Make Your Own Kind of Music,” “I Am Woman,” “Hooked on a Feeling,” “You Light Up My Life,” and others that defined a generation. Expect nonstop energy, stunning vocal harmonies, high-octane six-piece band arrangements, and a celebration of the era’s bold style and sisterhood.

A Landmark Opening for Winter Park Playhouse

The Winter Park Playhouse, a professional musical theater company founded in 2002, has long been a Central Florida favorite for intimate, high-quality productions. After performing its 2025–2026 season off-site at the Orlando Shakes complex (Mandell Theatre) during renovations, the company returns home in August 2026 with this show as the launch of its 2026–2027 Series. Thanks to a generous Orange County grant, the theater has undergone a major renovation (reportedly around $8 million). Upgrades include expanded seating (from about 123 to roughly 172 seats), improved facilities, a dedicated cabaret section, larger restrooms, and an overall enhanced audience experience. A ribbon-cutting and grand opening gala were planned for July 2026, making Never Can Say Goodbye the very first production in the upgraded space. This Southeastern Regional Premiere adds extra excitement for local audiences — many of whom enjoyed the 60s Beehive at Florida Rep and other venues.

Performance Details & Tickets

• Dates: August 7–30, 2026
• Previews: August 6 (7:30 pm) & August 7 (2:00 pm)
• Regular Performances: Typically Thursday–Sunday at 2:00 pm and Friday–Saturday at 7:30 pm (confirm exact schedule when tickets go on sale)
• Runtime: Approximately 2 hours with one intermission
• Age Recommendation: 15+
• Tickets: Adults $52, Seniors (62+) $48, Previews $25, Students (15–25) $20, Student Rush $10, Theatre Industry/Active Military $20. Group rates available. Subscriptions for the full 2026–27 season offer the best value and priority seating.

Box Office: (407) 645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

If you love 1970s music, crave a fun night of nostalgia with powerhouse vocals, or simply want to support vibrant local professional theater, Never Can Say Goodbye delivers on all fronts. It’s feel-good entertainment with heart — perfect for date nights, girls’ nights out, or multi-generational family outings. The combination of the show’s timely arrival, the theater’s exciting new chapter, and the sheer joy of live performances of these timeless hits makes this a must-see event in Central Florida this summer. Put on your platforms, shades, and bell bottoms — and get ready to boogie!