Review: 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Stage Coach Theater

Editor's Note: Being asked to step into a role at Stage Coach Theater this season has not allowed me the time to go see shows here in the valley. My dear friend and fellow theater performer Nichole Stull agreed to write a few reviews for me in my absence. Thank you Nichole!

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" by William Finn, based on the book by Rachel Sheinkin, and conceived by Rebecca Feldman is directed by Cheryl Blauer this month at Stage Coach Theatre. It is a heartwarming, and sometimes heartwrenching, glimpse in the unexpectedly complicated lives of a group of spelling bee participants. Three adult supervisors and six spellers make up the story with the added fun of four audience members being brought up to fill out the contestant seats (don't worry, only those who offered by signing up are considered).

The Bee is led by Rona Lisa Perretti (Michelle Green) and Vice Principal Robin Panch (Erin Van Engelen). Green & Engelen strike a lovely note of two opposite personalities; one is eager and thrilled to be involved and one is bitter and sardonic. An interesting juxtaposition especially considering the third adult on the stage, Mitch Mahoney (Evencio Bahena), the genuine but unqualified comfort counselor. The three play off each other and the spellers to great comedic effect.

Six spellers cover a wide variety of student "types" that might be participating in a county spelling bee. The literal boy scout (Dan Thelen), the ambitious world changer (Madison Pintar), the "living in his own imagination" oddball (Drake Powell), the overbearing know-it-all with all the allergies (Steven Santos), the perfect achiever (Jillian Durrant), and the shy, kind, unsure loner (Leesa Williams). Originally the part of Olive was cast with Sarah Wright but had to be recast opening week with Leesa Williams because of a family emergency. Williams stepped up and in and performed awesomely. Luckily, Wright will return for the last weekend of the run so her hard work will also be shown.

The six are brilliant with their character mannerisms and voices. This is adults playing kids and they do it admirably and hilariously, but without it being at the expense of the "type." Throughout the play we learn about their fears and trials and hopes through flashbacks or interludes and we end up cheering for all of them. And not to be too sappy, but that's the way of life- each person has value, even in their uniqueness, and if we explore just a bit, we come understand those around us.

Occasionally the actors were difficult to understand owing either to voice choices (tone, speech impediments, accents, etc.) or volume issues. Nonetheless, Blauer does an excellent job creating this brief event in time. Her team, including choreographer, Shannon Peterson, and music director JeNeale Gunnell, bring the musical to life with sound and movement. It's playful and silly and wonderful and serious all at the same time. Light, sound, and set literally set the stage for the relationships and characters to be the maIn Focus.

Despite the setting of a children's spelling bee, the subject matter occasionally veers into parental guidance territory, so be aware that it is not a play for children.

Definitely this is a play worth seeing! Well done all! A highly enjoyable experience!

Reviewer: Nichole Stull

Photo: Cheryl Blauer

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