Reviewed by Judy Richter
Appearing on stage in public can
be a scary proposition, especially for a group of middle school students trying
to spell their way to their 15 minutes of fame. That's part of the idea behind
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," presented by Foothill
Music Theatre.
In this case, however, the audience gets some insight into most of the
participants, thanks to music and lyrics by William Finn and a book and concept by Rachel
Sheinkin.
The
action takes place in a school gym (set by Bruce McLeod with lighting by Mikael Lassi), where six spellers (joined by
four audience volunteers) try to spell words dictated to them by Vice Principal
Douglas Panch (Scott White), assisted by moderator Rona Lisa Perretti (Kristin
Walter). Those
who misspell a word are escorted away by Mitch Mahoney (Jordan Sangalang), a saggy-pantsed parolee who
gives them a hug and a juice box. Last year's winner, Chip Tolentino (Ryan
Millena),
wearing his Boy Scout uniform, is the first go because he's
attracted/distracted by one of the sisters of fellow contestant Leaf Coneybear
(David Cates).
Leaf, the son of hippies, is home-schooled and makes his own clothes. Other contestants
are Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (Kateri McRae), who has two indulgent gay dads
(Gregg Zigler and
Walter M. Mayes);
William Barfée (David Mister), who breathes through only one nostril and spells words
ahead of time with his foot; Marcy Park (Crystle-Day Villanueva), an overachieving Asian
American; and Olive Ostrovsky (Alicia Teeter), whose father (Nick Patton) doesn't show up and whose
mother (Hayley Lovgren) is off cleansing her spirit in India.
By
the time the intermissionless show ends, we've become rather fond of these kids
and adults, thanks to a likable cast directed by Jay Manley. Cates is especially endearing
as the loopy Leaf, as is McRae as the lisping Logainne. McRae also
choreographed the show. The costumes are by Julie Engelbrecht. Musical direction is by Mark
Hanson on
keyboards. Troy Davis on woodwinds is the other musician.
The
show is basically light-hearted, but there are some serious, thought-provoking
moments, too. Manley also has tossed in some current references to make things
more amusing.
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