Rona finds herself lost in thought.
In a school gym, the seasoned host of the Putnam County spelling bee reflects on her own victorious moment, two decades ago, with the term “syzygy,” a term related to the alignment of celestial entities.
However, fame diminishes, and new talents are ready to shine. Alongside Rona on stage are six youthful aspiring champions, trembling with anxiety, excitement, and parental anticipation.
This marks the commencement of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” an agile and endearing satire of language, aspirations, and the trials of competition. WashU’s Performing Arts Department, part of Arts & Sciences, will showcase the Tony Award-winning musical from April 17-20 at the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre.
“These youngsters are all in their youth,” said visiting artist and recent alumna Brenna Jones (AB ’23), who is directing the group of 10. “The contest is merely a fleeting moment in their lives. It’s not a transformative experience.”
“Yet, through the spelling bee, we get to uncover their true selves,” Jones remarked. “We hear their narratives. We get a glimpse of their home environments. And we realize what it is that each of them genuinely requires.”
A collaborative performance
Created by writer and director Rebecca Feldman, “Spelling Bee” is inspired by “C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E,” a brief play initially devised for the improvisational comedy group The Farm. The full-length musical, featuring compositions and lyrics by William Finn and text by Rachel Sheinkin, premiered in early 2005 and swiftly transitioned to Broadway, where it garnered two Tony Awards and ran for over 1,100 performances.
The plot revolves around a middle school spelling competition, in which each contender has already triumphed in district-level contests. The Putnam County champion will be awarded a $200 savings bond, generously donated by the local optometrist, along with an opportunity to compete at the national level.
“This is an ensemble piece,” Jones noted. “However, if one had to select a focal character, it could be Olive, who rides the bus alone. Her father is at work, and her mother is on a spiritual adventure. Olive dedicates all her spare time to perusing the dictionary. She yearns to bond with the other participants.”
Joining Olive are reigning champion Chip Tolentino, the socially awkward prodigy Logainne “Schwarzy” Schwartzandgrubenniere, and the cheerful, home-schooled alternate Leaf Coneybear. Completing the group of contestants are the perfectionist Marcy Park and the combative William Barfée, who, due to his size and health challenges, faces both bullying and being a bully himself.
Also involved in the organization, in addition to Rona, are official word announcer Douglas Panch, who has returned after a puzzling five-year hiatus, and Mitch Mahoney, a “comfort counselor” whose tough exterior is far from soothing.
“This production is often underrated,” Jones remarked. “There are poignant moments and others that are swiftly humorous, making audiences laugh out loud. It’s a performance that tends to fly under the radar, yet people exit with tears in their eyes.”
Ensemble and production team
The cast of 10 includes Aditi Seetharaman as Olive, Jerome Mattick as Leaf, Josie Kopff as Schwarzy and Tina Yu as Marcy. Martín Ibarra takes on Chip (and briefly, Jesus), while Stephen Vellucci portrays William and also plays Leaf’s father.
Emma Lembke appears as both Rona and Olive’s mother. Francisco Lucca takes on the roles of Douglas Panch and Carl Grubenierre, Schwarzy’s mentor. Joseph Mosby embodies Mitch Mahoney, Olive’s dad, along with one of Schwarzy’s fathers. Also rounding out the cast, in various roles, is Danielle Bryden.
The scenic design is credited to Tina Zang. Elena Caballero serves as the scenic charge artist. Costumes are crafted by Heather Elaine Anderson. The lighting design is by Zachary Cohn, with support from Zoe Oppenheimer. The stage manager is AJ Harness, alongside assistant Margaret Fecko. The sound design, executed by Tab Birt, is dedicated to — and incorporates elements from — Birt’s mentor, Alan Hiserödt, sound supervisor for the University of Oklahoma’s School of Drama and University Theatre, who passed away last year.
Larry D. Pry is the musical director. Choreography is executed by Jo Palisoc. The musicians include Adam Kopff (drums), Brandon Thompson (reeds), Matthew Sullivan (keyboards), and Colette Wicks (cello).
Tickets
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will commence at 7:30 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday, April 17 to 19. Matinee shows will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, April 19 and 20.
Performances will occur at the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre, situated in the Mallinckrodt Student Center, 6465 Forsyth Blvd. Tickets are priced at $20, or $15 for seniors, students, and WashU faculty and staff, and are free for WashU students. Tickets can be acquired via the WashU Box Office. For further information, contact 314-935-6543 or visit pad.wustl.edu.
Editor’s note: This production contains mature themes, adult humor, and content that may not be appropriate for all audience members. Recommended for individuals aged 13 and above.
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