'The Bee' Leaves Stinger in Chicago

Though it is Wicked that many local theatregoers say is the reason that sit down shows are back in force in Chicago, it is Spelling Bee that cemented that notion.  For over eighteen months, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has proven to be the little show that could.  In fact the Bee planned on closing in the Spring.  However, once the closing notice was posted, ticket sales soared and the show ran another five months.  And deservedly so. 

Though some of the original stellar cast has changed, the show is fresh and funny as ever.  I was privileged to attend the final performance this Sunday, with some of the original Chicago cast members in attendance as audience members to watch the last Bee.  Sitting  in front of me was Bill Larkin, the original Vice Principal.  It was great to watch how much joy he had watching the show and much support he gave his successor, Mark David Kaplan. Other original cast members still in the show include James Earl Jones, III whose booming voice cracks the crystals on the numerous chandeliers in the old Drury Lane Theatre; Scott Gryder as the protuberous Chip Tolentino/Jesus; Christine Bunuan as the over/under achiever, Marcy Park and my personal favorite, the hilarious Christine Werny whose Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre  brought down the house with a speech on the most current embattled Republican Senator sex scandal involving  airport men's room visitor, Larry Craig.

The cast fed off the audience's energy for the final show and visa versa so by the time the final curtain call was upon us, the cast got a three minute standing ovation.