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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Music & Lyrics by William Finn
Additional material by Jay Reiss
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Directed by Keith J. Warren
Music Directed by M. Shane Hurst
Produced by Zachary Cantrell and Lewisville Playhouse, Lewisville, Texas
Audience Rating: PG-13 (not recommended for young children)
Running Time: 120 minutes (15 minute intermission)
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Showing: Not Available
Sound Level: Loud
Audio/Visuals to Prepare For: Sexually suggestive themes, profanity, adult humor
Reviewed by Stacey L. Simpson
When I was in eighth grade, I competed in the citywide spelling bee in my hometown. I had to get through several, smaller competitions to get to that point. In the end, I came in second and missed my chance to go to state, bested by the word “recitative.” The winner was crowned champion after correctly spelling “soliloquy” and got a $100 gift certificate to a local department store that no longer exists. But really, who remembers the details of something that happened so long ago? I’m so over it!
If you also feel a certain way about spelling bees or if you are just looking for an evening packed with laugh-out-loud humor, heart, and high-energy musical numbers, grab your tickets for the Lewisville Playhouse production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Set at a fictional regional spelling competition, the story follows six eccentric, determined middle school kids fighting for the coveted county championship title and a trip to nationals. They are joined on stage by real audience volunteers who get pulled into the middle of the action.
Under the direction and choreography of Keith J. Warren, who also designed the set and costumes, the cast and creative team delivers a charming, vibrant production. Music Director M. Shane Hurst led a live (lively) band onstage, while Stage Manager and Sound Designer Laz Jarrell, Lighting Designer Cameron Stewart, and Props Designer Toni Thomas created a school gymnasium atmosphere that feels bright and energetic. The lighting by Stewart was dynamic and well designed, especially in moments where characters were suddenly thrust into memories or daydreams.
The talented cast brings each quirky student and adult to life with admirable comedic timing. Nolan Shaver is completely convincing as middle school vice principal Panch, a grumpy stickler for the rules who has poorly hidden anger issues. He snarkily serves up increasingly absurd examples when spellers ask to have a word used in a sentence. Donovan Marie Lawson shines as Rona Lisa Peretti, a past bee winner, who is all smiles and charm as an emcee of sorts. She relives her childhood glory through several walks down memory lane as she sings fondly about her favorite parts of the spelling bee. Rona Lisa’s bizarre running commentary, read in a matter-of-fact manner by Lawson as each middle school contestant came to the microphone to spell, was hilarious: “William Barfee has a sea anemone circus in his basement.” Lawson and Shaver play off of each other with a comfortable comic chemistry that got even better in the second act. JQ Martin brings humor and his usual powerful vocals as comfort counselor Mitch Mahoney.
Among the young competitors, Shane Duckett plays the overly confident defending champion Chip Tolentino, delivering big laughs in Chip’s Lament at the beginning of Act II. Molly Jo Hartjen lends adorably manic energy to the politically minded Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre. Owen Wildoner as the guileless, home-schooled Leaf Coneybear, Pranav Kasturi as the arrogant William Barfee (that’s Bar-FAY!) with his famous "Magic Foot" technique, and Nemo Lewis as stoic perfectionist Marcy Park all inhabit their roles with commitment and high-energy physicality. Emely Sadai is outstanding and perfectly cast as the quiet, neglected Olive Ostrovsky. I was impressed by the way each character had well-defined physical “tics” that added layers to the lines and lyrics.
Beyond the sometimes goofy and sometimes raunchy humor, the musical explores relatable themes of confusing adolescence, the heavy burden of parental expectations, and the yearning for acceptance. One of the show’s highlights is the haunting, dreamlike The I Love You Song, in which Olive imagines her absent/neglectful parents singing alongside her in harmony. The trio is beautifully and tenderly sung by Sadai, Lawson, and Martin.
The ensemble numbers are raucous and the choreography chaotic, as befits a bunch of anxiety-filled middle school overachievers without much impulse control. The audience volunteers on stage are even choreographed into a few numbers on the spot!
This heartwarming, funny production is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, so support these local artists and get your seats before the competition is over! Runs through October 18. Tickets: lewisvilleplayhouse.org
On with the show!
Stacey L. Simpson
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