WINTER PARK — With the wide popularity of those Classic Albums Live concerts that pop up frequently across Central Florida, the Winter Park Playhouse’s new musical, Never Can Say Goodbye, resembles a live concert reproducing one of those Greatest Hits Of The ’70s albums, although in this case it would probably be a triple album.

The show, which kicked off the Playhouse’s 2026/2027 season on Aug. 6 and runs through Saturday, Aug. 30, revives a diverse collection of ’70s golden oldies, while a fabulously talented cast — Abigail Gordiany, Mahalia Gronigan, Tesia Kwarteng, Dayja Le’Chelle, Ellen Shaw and Rebecca Jo Lightfoot — deliver the kind of soaring vocals that quickly make you forget the originals. The songs in this musical revue include pop (“I Think I love You”), disco (“Le Freak”), soul (a deliciously lively “Lady Marmalade”), country (“Rose Garden”), R&B (“Don’t Leave Me This Way”) and rock (“Poor Poor Pitiful Me.”) Whew!

Matching the cast when it comes to energetic, dynamic performances were the musicians led by music director Ned Wilkinson. Let me tell you, when the boys rev up their guitars to perform Heart’s novelty hard-charging rocker “Barracuda,” you can feel the electricity charging through the room. The band, including Christopher Leavy, Sam Forrest, Brandon Kaufman and guitarist Nate Chivers, seem ready for some full-volume rock shows at Madison Square Garden.

This show also marks an exceptionally happy moment in the decades-long history of the Playhouse: this is the first production in their newly renovated theater, and their new cabaret lounge, packed with patrons, made it clear audiences are eager to check out their new digs.

What is the Show Never Can Say Goodbye?

Never Can Say Goodbye: The 70s Beehive Musical is making its Central Florida premiere at the Playhouse. Inspired by Beehive: The 60’s Musical by Larry Gallagher, this 70s revenue was created by Fred Stuart to pay tribute to a decade of rapidly shifting musical styles and genres. The days of all songs being about teenage love were long gone.

“The 1970s saw the emergence of some new music genres that have become staples of the modern era,” notes the article The Evolution Of Music: How Have The 70s Changed The Way We Play Music in Idiotec magazine. “Punk rock, hard rock, heavy metal, and soft rock all had their origins in these ten years. While these genres are still around today, they are very different from what was being created decades ago …. As we listen to the greatest hits from the 70s, or take music lessons based on great music from that era, we can hear how much our music scene has evolved, and what has stayed as a reminder of that time.”

Using an all-female cast for Never Can Say Goodbye felt significant as well, because in addition to the emergence of so many different genres, it was a decade of empowerment for women, and for women within the music industry. As our performers sing Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman,” they give it an extra burst of spiritual energy, as if to say This is our decade, and we’re going to run with it. And our talented cast truly does live up to that.

How is The Winter Park Playhouse Production?

Love for those catchy 70s ditties are not the only reason to see Never Can Say Goodbye. Director Roy Alan has a grand time as choreographer, giving the ladies some industrious 70s dance moves that will leave you longing for those nights on the dance floor, and special credit should also go to Monica Titus for her spot-on 70s outfits. The decade truly has been reborn at this show!

The singers were expertly chosen and deliver some real sizzler performances; Kwarteng nearly raises the roof on her passionate rendition of Patti Labelle’s ode to Creole street workers, “Lady Marmalade,” one of the show’s highlights, and Shaw hits their extravagant high notes the Wilson sisters made famous in “Barracuda.” All of the performers have grand solo moments, but it’s their group songs (“Le Freak,” “We Are Family”) where their rich talent comes together superbly. This is a lively show, and it isn’t necessary that you actually experienced the 70s (like I did) to enjoy it. Gen Z, get out here!

Where Can I See Never Can Say Goodbye?

Kicking off the 2026-2027 Series of Professional Musicals at The Winter Park Playhouse, Never Can Say Goodbye: The 70s Beehive Musical is being performed now through Saturday, Aug. 30 at the theater at 711 Orange Ave. in Winter Park.

Performances are Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday matinee performances at 2 p.m. Tickets are $52 for adults, $48 for senior adults (62 years and older), and $20 for students (15-25 years old), active military and theatrical industry professionals.  Student rush “$10@10” offers $10 tickets (for students 15-25 years old) are available 10 minutes prior to a performance. For tickets or more information, call the box office at 407-645-0145 or visit www.winterparkplayhouse.org . 

Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright, and author of the book “Bloody Rabbit”. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.