Actors Conservatory Theatre Presents
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless charm and humor. Featuring a fast-paced wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of [potentially made-up] words hoping to never hear the soul crushing, pout inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.
Director: Armand Paganelli & Musical Director: Stephen Ferri
Production Dates: Oct 30, Nov 1,-Nov 2 & Nov 7-9 Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Sundays 2pm
First Rehearsal the week of Sept 15th. Rehearsals are Sunday, Monday and Thursday evenings until Tech week.All Rehearsals/Performances are at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Theatre. 20 Buckingham Rd., Yonkers NY 10701
The venue is located close to the Bronxville Train Station and transportation is provided to and from the Bronxville station to the venue for rehearsals and performances if needed.
Send your headshot and resume to apag7153@aol.com to set up an appointment. Please let us know what day and time slot you would like.
BREAKDOWN (all roles open)
CARL DAD Schwarzy's main trainer, the more intense and competitive of Schwarzy's fathers.
G3 - D5
CHIP TOLENTINO An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment.
C4 - B5
DAN DAD the more laid back and ineffectual of Schwarzy's fathers
G3 - D5
DOUGLAS PANCH The Vice Principle. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years' absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. There was an "incident" at the Twentieth Annual Bee, but he claims to be in "a better place" now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affections.
JESUS CHRIST Deity invoked by a speller in need. (Non singing)
LEAF CONEYBEAR The second runner-up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. He has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and spells words correctly while in a trance.
A3 - A5
LEAF'S MOM, DAD, and SIBLINGS All more academically gifted than Leaf, they are even more surprised than he is by his success.
LOGAINNE SCHWARTZANDGRUNENIERRE (SCHWARTZY) Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. She is somewhat of a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and will be back next year.
A3 - F5
MARCY PARK A recent transfer from Virginia, Marcy placed ninth in last year’s nationals. She speaks six languages, is a member of all-American hockey, a championship rugby player, plays Chopin and Mozart on multiple instruments, sleeps only three hours a night, hides in the bathroom cabinet, and is getting very tired of always winning. She is the poster child for the Over-Achieving Asian, and attends a Catholic school called "Our Lady of Intermittent Sorrows." She is also not allowed to cry.
C4 - E5
MITCH MAHONEY The Official Comfort Counselor. An ex-convict, Mitch is performing his community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He has no idea how to offer comfort, but does find himself wishing he could find a way to make the kids feel better.
E4 - A5
OLIVE OSTROVSKY A young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the bee. Having found comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition. She starts enormously shy, and shyly blossoms.
B3 - F5
OLIVE's DAD A fantasy version of Olive's dad coming to the bee from work.
E4 - B5
OLIVE's MOM A fantasy version of Olive's mom at her Ashram in India.
D4 - E5
RONA LISA PERETTI The number-one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children, but she can be very stern when it comes to dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her interest in the competition is unflagging and drives it forward.
B3 - F5
WILLIAM BARFEE A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous “Magic Foot” method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory, even though he only has one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. He develops a crush on Olive.
E4 - B5 -
Union Information:
non union
Salary:
N/A
Audition Information
When:
Friday Sept 5th 2-5pm NYC Cap 21 Studios 5th Floor Room 507
18 W 18 St. btw 5th and 6th Ave
Friday Sept 5th 7-10 pm at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Theatre 20 Buckingham Road Yonkers NY.
Sunday Sept 7th: 6pm - 10pm at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Theatre 20 Buckingham Road Yonkers NY. *Callbacks will start at 8pm at same location.*
Notes/What to bring:
Please prepare 32 bars of a song from the show. A song in the style of the show is also acceptable but singing from the show is preferred. Please have your music clearly labeled and in the correct key. Sheet Music from the show will be available at the audition for use. An accompanist will be provided but will not transpose on the spot. Also have a copy of your headshot and resume stapled together
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