“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee…” THERE ARE songs littered throughout the play, and this year’s talent is better than ever. Nearly every character has a solo song as some point, and the group contributes to the musical action in nearly every way. Other cast members who contribute are: Jordan Fountain and Gage Dickerson as Schwartzandgrubennierre’s two dads; Sarah Price and Jordan Garcia as Ostrovsky’s transient, but loving parents. The play is directed by Tony Piazza.
Definition please? Loads of fun.
Allen Community College’s newest musical comedy, set to open at 7:30 tonight in the Bowlus Fine Arts Center and run through Saturday, is not your normal spelling bee.
Sure, there are complicated words, judges, contestants and a trophy; but, that is only the beginning. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” originally a Broadway play, takes place in, you guessed it, Putnam County. While the setting never leaves the gymnasium where the bee takes place, it is quite seldom the same from scene to scene.
There are six main contestants:
— Chip Tolentino (played by Michael De Los Santos), a cocky Boy Scout who thinks he has the bee in the bag.
— Logainne Schwartzandgrubennierre (played by Danielle Venter), a bright young girl with a substantial speech impediment.
— Leaf Coneybear (played by Nicholas Watson), a helmet-wearing, off-the-wall home-schooler who is smarter than he may realize.
— William Barfee (played by Nicholas Skyles), a spelling prodigy who uses a unique technique (hint, it involves his feet).
— Marcy Park (played by Alexis Dean), a “perfect” schoolgirl who wants to break out of her shell.
— Olive Ostrovsky (played by Heather Kropf), a girl whose parents couldn’t make it to the bee, but still wants to shine.
The action of the play unfolds as the students are eliminated one by one until only two remain.
Their judges, Rona Lisa Perretti (played by Kailey Boyd) and Vice Principal Douglas Panch (played by Craig Hendricks) have their own reasons for being at the competition. Perretti is the winner of the 3rd annual bee, and is trying to relive her glory days. Hendricks, well, has some issues and may not be in the best mental condition. And to boot, the security guard, Mitch Mahoney (played by Colton Schubert), is doing his community service and would rather be somewhere else.
Throughout the play, each character’s story unfolds as to why they are in the bee to begin with — for better or worse, until there is only one remaining.
The play keeps you on your toes as well. Pandemonium ensues as each character is eliminated from the contest. There are intermittent interruptions — including Schwartandgrubennierre’s two dads, a “personal” problem with Tolentino, a breakdown from one of the judges and, oh yes, Jesus is involved.
All in all, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is guaranteed to entertain. Its musical numbers are nailed by the cast, the script is tight and witty and the plot never seems to slow. Live music, provided by Ted Clous at the helm along with amazing band support keep the mood lively and upbeat. Some may be bored by a traditional spelling bee; but be warned, this play is anything but.
Fun is the key word in ‘Putnam County’ play
