BWW Review: 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE SHINES at STAGEWORKS THEATRE
by Drew Eberhard
- Jun 4, 2022
Every so often in our lives along comes a musical full of heart. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is a musical comedy with Music & Lyrics by William Finn, with a book by Rachel Sheinkin. The Broadway Production opened in 2005 and was directed by James Lapine. Since its opening, many productions both locally and regionally have been produced throughout the United States. Spelling Bee was nominated for 6 Tony Awards, winning two including Best Book.
This fast-paced musical comedy features 6 adult performers playing children in a local annual spelling bee competing for the top prize, and a savings bond for furthering their education. At the judge’s table and moderator for the events of the bee are past spelling Champion Rona Lisa Peretti, who is also a local Real-Estate Agent, and Vice Principal Douglas Panch. The unique aspect of the show is that four audience members are invited on stage with the performers in the show to compete in the bee. The Announcer and Moderator switch off by ad-libbing mixed sentences and various definitions for the words often to hilarious ends. One by one the performers playing middle school-aged children take their turn at the mic and perform their unique form of spelling by talking into their hand, writing the word on the floor with their foot, or drawing the word on their arm all competing to make sure each word is spelled correctly.
Photo Flash: First Look at THE PRODUCERS at Manatee Performing Arts Center
by BWW
News Desk
- Aug 10, 2017
Manatee Performing Arts Center opens their 2017 - 2018 Season with The Producers this Today, August 10! Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks' classic cult comedy film. Now as a big Broadway musical, The Producers once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor. It is a truly 'boffo' hit, winning a record twelve Tony Awards and wowing capacity crowds night after night. BroadwayWorld has an exclusive first look at the cast in action below!
