-Brenda Hillegas
photo by Ashley Smith/Wide Eyed Studios
Let’s just get right down to business. Here’s the link to get tickets and you need to go do that right now.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was announced early in 2023 as a replacement to wrap up Arden Theatre Company’s season. Directed by Amina Robinson (a Barrymore Award winner for Outstanding Direction of a Musical, The Color Purple at Theatre Horizon), this charming Tony Winner for Best Book of a Musical will really have you feeling all the feels. It’s a sweet story about a group of awkward and often lonely preteens who compete their hearts out at their community’s school spelling bee. Their stories are relatable, their voices are determined to be heard. This is a not-to-be-missed tale of finding your place and taking your turn, boldly, at the mic!
The cast includes Ronnie Keller (Chip Tolentino), Helen St. Cyr (Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere), Garrick Vaughan (Leaf Coneybear), Steve Pacek (William Barfee), Hannah Catanoso (Marcy Park), Jessica Money (Olive Ostrovsky), Patricia Noonan (Rona Lisa Perretti), Dave Johnson (Vice Principal Douglas Panch) and Henry Gainza (Mitch Mahoney). Many of these actors perfectly capture the middle-school years- the struggle and bravery to be yourself, how it feels to win, or lose, it all, and what it’s really worth at the end of the day. This is one of the funniest, most heart-warming, winning musicals I’ve seen all year.
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, you- audience member- can also get up on stage and show everyone what you’re made of! Prior to each performance, you’ll have the opportunity to audition your skills and be a part of the show. If you’re an okay-ish speller and don’t mind being on stage for most of the first act, join in on the fun! Details here.
Thanks for an E-X-C-E-L-L-E-N-T season, Arden!
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