Have you ever wondered what goes on in the head of mid-pubescents in the middle of academic competition? Your wait is over, and the answer is hilarious, earnest, and full of joy.
Review by Lara Gonzalez
P-L-O-T
In Xavier University Theatre’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (aka the Bee) six tweens vie for the title of spelling champion. Throughout the 2-hour production we learn more about each student’s background and what drives them to fight for the Spelling trophy. There can only be one winner, and the competition is tough!
Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and crisp score by William Finn, this Bee is one unforgettable experience.
T-A-L-E-N-T
Spelling Bee is an ensemble show, and there isn’t a weak voice in the cast. Every single person on stage has wonderful pitch, tone, and delivery with maturity well beyond that of a typical college cast.
Each character is quirky and entertaining in their own right. In particular, Bridget Dean playing Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere captures childlike enthusiasm and sincerity while bringing beautiful and polished singing voice to the forefront.
The adult characters in this show are really top notch! As Rona Lisa Perretti, Brookelyn Duncan effectively narrates the story with dulcet and mature tones. My favorite character on stage is Mitch Mahony, the Ex-convict turned comfort counselor. Sean Moss has one hilarious moment after another–sometimes as alternate characters like Logian’s dad, and sometimes as Mitch’s background enjoyment of the speller’s centerstage antics.
T-E-A-M
A talented production team has brought this production to life. Stephen Skiles wears the hat of both Director and Producer. He has brought to the stage a variety of characters which are each true to the classic portrayal of the Bee, but also bring individual flair of the Xavier cast. The choreography of Jenna Treinen is inspired. She makes great use of the entire stage and levels offered by the speller’s bleachers and even the front of the stage.
The lighting design by Jessica Drayton and her assistant Jonathan White add another dimension to this show. The Bee has a unit set; literally nothing besides props and actors enter and leave the stage. But with the lighting effects brought by this team we are transported through many different emotions and focus from one person to the entire stage. My favorite effect is when words from the dictionary are projected on the stage behind the actors.
TL; DR
Xavier’s Spelling Bee is an e-x-t-r-a-v-a-g-a-n-z-a of humor and amazing musical talent. It is the “definition” of a good show.
T-I-C-K-E-T-S to Xavier’s Spelling Bee
Get your tickets at THIS LINK now for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Xavier University Theatre.
Remaining shows are:
- Saturday, October 18 at 2 pm
- Saturday, October 18 at 7:30 pm
- Sunday, October 19 at 2 pm
- Sunday, October 19 at 7:30 pm
