Actors Theatre of Indiana (ATI) opens its 2026–2027 season this Friday, Sept. 4, returning to The Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts with the regional premiere of Never Can Say Goodbye: The ’70s Beehive Musical.
Following last season’s smash hit Beehive, this electrifying sequel brings six powerhouse women to the stage to celebrate the soundtrack, culture, and female empowerment of an iconic decade. The production runs through Sept. 20.
Written by Fred Stuart with musical arrangements, orchestrations, and additional music by George Luton, Never Can Say Goodbye delivers a high-octane lineup of classics made famous by Linda Ronstadt, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Heart, Debbie Harry, Pat Benatar, and more.
Leading the production is director and choreographer Carol Worcel, a veteran creative force at ATI. Worcel previously directed and choreographed fan favorites such as A Grand Night for Singing, Gypsy, and Beehive, alongside her choreography credits for Cole, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Lucky Stiff, 9 to 5, Route 66, and Young Frankenstein.
Audience members are invited to fully immerse themselves in the ’70s spirit by wearing their favorite period attire — from bell-bottoms and platform shoes to sequins and sparkle.
Shared Moments, Nostalgia, and Powerhouse Vocals
Beyond the music and fashion, ATI leadership views the production as an invitation for the community to step into a shared, live experience. In an era marked by modern distractions and political noise, live theater offers a unique space for genuine human connection.
ATI co-founder and artistic director Judy Fitzgerald emphasized the intimacy of the Studio Theater space and the collective joy ATI hopes to spark.
“People have talked about escapism… and theater isn’t really as much as escaping as it is this time you all are together experiencing the same thing at the same moment,” said Judy Fitzgerald, ATI co-founder and artistic director. “We really want people to dress in ’70s [attire] and leave here jamming and saying, ‘Wow, that was great!’ We have incredible talent in every show, but we have incredible talent that is just going to blow the roof off in this production!”
Fitzgerald emphasized that the production’s range — stretching from Linda Ronstadt and “Lady Marmalade” to Helen Reddy — requires extraordinary vocal talent.
The Craft Behind Directing and Choreography
For director and choreographer Carol Worcel, leading Never Can Say Goodbye is deeply personal.
“I had the privilege of directing this show last year, the ’60s Beehive,” Worcel said. “For me, this is the music of my youth. When I got the score for this show, I knew the lyrics for every single song except one. My heart is so into bringing it to life.”
Fitzgerald praised Worcel’s dual role: “Carol is our resident choreographer, and to be able to direct and choreograph — to have that skill set — it’s just such a perfect marriage.”
While audiences see a seamless production, Worcel noted that creating it requires immense preparation. A single four-minute song can take six hours to choreograph as she maps out movements, studies historical context, and analyzes the score.
“It’s very technical,” Worcel explained. “Even though I go in with set plans, it’s still evolving. Once I hear what the band is playing, I might add something for a drum lick.”
With a quick two-week rehearsal window before tech week and designer runs, working with a seasoned cast allows the creative process to move efficiently.
“This show is a perfect respite for a couple of hours,” Worcel said.
The Cast and Their Strengths
The show features six powerhouse actors, each bringing distinct strengths to the stage:
Rachel Dudt (Laura): Returning after her standout turn as Janis Joplin in Beehive, Dudt unleashes raw, gritty rock-and-roll energy and stratospheric belting power — taking center stage on Heart’s fierce anthem “Barracuda.”
Riley Francis (Allison): Known for her sweet rendition of “Where the Boys Are,” Francis returns to the ATI stage with dramatic vocal growth and undeniable confidence, unleashing a sultry, powerful performance on Heart’s “Magic Man.”
Deborah Mae Hill (Wanda): Bringing the experience of past hits like Sunset Boulevard and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Hill captivates with effortless, roof-raising vocals and irresistible stage magnetism.
Michaela McGarel (Pattie): McGarel electrifies the stage with her soaring vocal range, effortless charm, and irresistible warmth. McGarel lights up the stage and draws audiences right into the groove.
Kayla Perry (Jasmine): Channeling the legendary flair and electrifying presence of Donna Summer, Perry dominates the stage, commanding disco anthems and pop numbers with showstopping vocal power.
Kira Rangel (Gina): Channeling the soulful authority of Aretha Franklin and the raw, electric energy of Tina Turner, Rangel ignites the stage with powerful vocal grit and unstoppable movement.
Supporting Local Arts: The Tallison Hotel Partnership
Partnerships like the one between Actors Theatre of Indiana and the Tallison Hotel in Carmel are key drivers of regional arts growth, offering crucial housing for out-of-town talent brought in for ATI productions this season.
Fitzgerald noted that while the theater prioritizes local artists, drawing talent from outside the area requires enticing accommodations, calling the hotel’s venue a major perk for visiting performers.
“I feel so fortunate that Zach wants to partner with the arts and ATI,” Fitzgerald said, highlighting a cross-promotional arrangement that includes discounted hotel rates for visiting talent and, reciprocally, discounted tickets for guests.
Zach Tharp, area director of sales and marketing for The Tallison Hotel, emphasized the alignment in their organizations’ core values: “Our mission is to bring the Carmel community together through art, music, theater, and shared experiences. We thought there was no better partnership than with ATI to help accomplish this goal.”
Performance Details
Production: Never Can Say Goodbye: The ’70s Beehive Musical
Dates: Sept. 4 – Sept. 20, 2026
Special Event: Second Sunday Talkback on Sept. 13 (includes complimentary beer from Bier Brewery)
Venue: The Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel, IN
Tickets & Information: Visit atistage.org, order through the Allied Solutions Center website, or call the Fifth Third Bank Box Office at 317-843-3800.
