THE 25 TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, a musical featuring five male and four female actors written by Rachel Sheinkin with music and lyrics by William Finn, opens homecoming weekend at the University Theatre Center, Main Stage. Days and times are: Thursday October 5, 7 p.m.; Friday October 6, 3 p.m.; Saturday October 7, 2 p.m.; and Sunday October 8, 2 p.m. The production features the work of students and faculty in the Departments of Music and Theatre and Digital Filmmaking. The production is directed by Anne Beck, Professor of Theatre with musical direction by Gregory Gallagher, Assistant Professor of Music.
The stage managers are the capable Alex Bizon, Cameron Colson, and Raquel Valenzuela.
This nail-biting competition set in a gymnasium—just like one you know from back home—features six spellers, three boys and three girls, ages 9-12. They are young, a bit eccentric, and each has a story to tell of hopes, dreams, fears, and weird family dynamics. The actors include Cutter Burnett [Leaf Coneybear]; Amy Carter [Olive Ostrovsky]; Darby Cavanaugh [Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere]; John Linzie [Chip Tolentino]; Brendan Moore [William Barfee]; and Kendall Romero [Marcy Park].
Officiating are master of ceremonies, Jasmine Sahd [Rona Lisa Perretti], a past winner; Frederick Mete[ Douglas Panch], Vice-Principal at local junior high and word-pronouncer; and Isaiah Guerrero [Mitch Mahoney], the comfort counselor, out on parole doing this as his community service. Why a comfort counselor? Because there can only be one winner! And with help from audience volunteers who will also try to spell words like “omphaloskepsis” and “acouchi” we are reminded that this is a game of skill.
Come on out and enjoy the fun, the game, the singing, and the wonderful music played by James Golden [piano], Richard Schwartz [ woodwinds], and Neil Rutland [percussion] with Dr. Gallagher conducting.
Anne Beck
September 21, 2017
