Review by Molly Alderson
Xavier University Theatre buzzes this Thursday night for the opening of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, an endearing story of six tweens (supervised by three outrageous adults) as they compete to become the Spelling Bee Champion. With music and lyrics by William Finn, direction by Stephen Skiles, and choreography by Jenna Treinen, this Tony Award-winning show finds new life at the Gallagher Student Center Theatre.
The Cast
Each performer brings something unbelievably special to the stage. I’ve seen (and reviewed) Spelling Bee multiple times, and typically, a few standout performers carry the show. I waited for the shoe to drop (or in this case, the bell to ring) and reveal the weaker links…but that moment never came. Each performer is stronger than the next. Fully committed, bursting with energy, and completely embodying their iconic characters in their own unique ways, the cast pours love into every moment, and the audience feels it. I couldn’t help but smile through most of the performance. The performers’ passion spills from the stage and into the audience.
Rona (played by Brookelyn Duncan) is a delight. It feels like she’s born to play this role. It suits her beautiful soprano voice and warmth perfectly. VP Douglas Panch (played by Benny Mitchell) quickly becomes an audience favorite. On opening night, people literally hooted for him, and his quick-witted delivery pairs perfectly with Rona’s charm.
Mitch Mahoney can sometimes be a throwaway character…a funny side plot rather than a standout like the kids. However Sean Moss is incredible. His vocal range (in both his roles as Mitch and as Logan and Olive’s dad) surprises me, and in this performance, I now see Mitch in an entirely new light.
The Spellers
Now, the spellers. Chip Tolentino (played by Leo Jenkins) is strong, sweet, and incredibly funny (doubling as hoverboard Jesus). I loved seeing Leo as Pippin last season, and this time, he meets every expectation. Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (played by Bridget Dean) is a fabulous feminist and works her iconic lisp with sass and pizazz. You feel her character’s anxiety pulsing through the performance, which makes her “goodbye” extra heartbreaking.
Leaf Coneybear (played by Ben Hunt) beams with energy and total commitment to the role, showcasing a range of emotions, sharp comedic timing, and a wonderful voice. In the same way, William Barfee (played by Tylen Gordon) brings a unique magic, beyond his magic foot, to the stage.
Marcy Park (played by Irene Ferrell) is a tricky role. She’s the most subtle of the kids and doesn’t always leave a lasting impression. But Ferrell’s performance is undoubtedly strong and sweet. She kills her solo “I Speak Six Languages.”
And finally, the sweet, lovable, and awkward Olive Ostrovsky, the show’s emotional core (played by Kyra Sander). Sander strikes the perfect balance of shy, awkward, and quietly strong. She radiates vulnerability, and her stunning vocal range rounds out the cast in the most charming way.
Behind the Scenes of the Bee
Let’s not forget the behind-the-scenes heroes of this production. The set, designed by David Zlatic, looks nearly Broadway-ready. The attention to detail, quality, and artistry does not go unnoticed. Layered with unique and creative lighting cues by Lighting Designer Jessica Drayton and seamless sound design by Jason Sebastian (which I imagine is no small feat with such a dynamic cast), the tech side absolutely shines.
The choreography by Jenna Treinen is fantastic. It matches the performers’ high energy and keeps the otherwise static stage lively and fresh. Lastly, Music Director Dr. Scot Buzza and Director/Producer Stephen Skiles shape an unforgettable performance with heart, polish, and joy.
About the Show
This show is more than a collection of songs about spelling. It’s a tribute to the awkward and anxious kids we all once were. I see audience members connecting and rooting for each character in their own way. And that, to me, is my favorite moment of the bee.
It’s an invitation to celebrate those brave little kids. Their heartbreaks, triumphs, quirks, and passions. The things about us that helped shape the adults we’ve become. Beneath the wit and physical comedy (all delivered with pitch-perfect timing), Spelling Bee carries a deeper message, one not found in the vice principal’s definitions, but in the hearts of these fearless performers and the story’s beating core.
Get Tickets to Xavier University Theatre’s Spelling Bee
This weekend only – get your tickets now for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Xavier University Theatre : https://xaviertheatre.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200483788.
Shows are:
- Friday, October 17 at 7:30 pm
- 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
