What do you get when you combine six smart, competitive, high-achieving tweens, with upbeat, energetic music and the high-stakes world of competitive spelling? You get The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. And soon, you’ll get it at Fayetteville Technical Community College, as the Fine Arts Department presents the cult hit musical from Feb. 20 to March 1.
Spelling Bee is a comedy with music and lyrics written by William Finn, book written by Rachel Sheinkin, with additional material by Rebecca Felman. It opened on Broadway in 2005 after years of development by The Farm, a New York City-based improvisational troupe.
The play features 6 kids (all played by adults) who are striving to be their district’s champion and to compete at the National Spelling Bee in Washington DC.
Let’s meet the spellers. First is last year’s champ, Chip Tolentino (played by Izaiah Zapata), who is the oldest and in his last year of eligibility. Leaf Coneybear (played by Gabe Terry) is just happy to be in the bee and hopes everyone has a good time.
Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (played by Venus Bess) is a socially conscious, no-nonsense young lady, poised to take on the world. William Barfee (played by Jack Wood) is not here to make friends, he is here to win and has a unique approach to spelling. Marcy Park (played by Kim O’Callahan) is the best at everything she does, which is a lot, and is starting to feel the strain. Olive Ostrovsky (played by Annabeth Clark) is quiet and unassuming and just loves words.
The kiddos are joined onstage by the adults of the Spelling Bee: Rona Lisa Peretti (played by Marie Lowe), a successful realtor and former Spelling Bee champion; word pronouncer Vice Principal Douglas Panch (played by Jon Frantz), who is all too happy to join Rona onstage; and Mitch (short for Michelle) Mahoney (played by Joyce Borum), the Comfort Counselor who is there to console those who get eliminated. All together, this cast of spellers and supporters makes for a zany night of spelling fun.
FTCC’s production of the musical comedy features a mix of student and community performers, some of whom have experience on FTCC’s stage, and others for whom this is their debut at Cumberland Hall. The one thing they all have in common is great musical talent, great comedic sensibilities, and great chemistry that they use to bring to life the “frenemy” relationships around which this show centers.
The company is rounded out by Director Katie Herring, Production Manager Dennis Johnson (both FTCC Theatre faculty) and Music Director Vicki Hogan, along with a team of student stage managers, house manager, and production crew.
A few things to know before you go: while some musicals make for great family outings, this one is for the big kids. It is recommended for ages 13 and above, due to some harsh language and crude humor. All performances are free and open to the public, no reservations are required; seating is first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early. There is some opportunity for audience involvement, but only on a volunteer basis, so no pressure if you’d rather stay in your seat.
Make plans to head over to FTCC’s Fayetteville campus and enjoy the laugh-a-minute sensation that is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
When: February 20-March 1; Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays at 7 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: FTCC Fayetteville Campus; Cumberland Hall Auditorium; 2211 Hull Road
Who: Open to the public; recommended for ages 13+