A Different Kind of Spelling Bee

Two bits of writing I never posted here about a Rome Little Theatre production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

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Hyperbole is rampant at every community theater. I have been a part of several productions that I really enjoyed, but that had major flaws. Still you heard the boasts: "Broadway quality!" "Best show ever!" So I wouldn't blame you for taking the following with a grain of salt. 

But if it's hyperbole, I've been snookered.

Rome Little Theatre's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was an outstanding community theater presentation of a great little musical. Some may have been put off by the less than exciting name. It was a side-splitting grown-up comedy about the drama of pre-teen angst. The voices were strong, the acting convincing, the musicians polished, the light and sound almost flawless, the choreography outstanding, the direction spot on. 

I sincerely believe this little show could be moved, as is, to New York City and get decent reviews. ("Broadway quality!") 

Young Leaf (Zac Mitchell) is just flat amazing. Absolutely convincing in his innocence and enthusiasm. Every male in the audience will remember with chagrin, and heart-felt sympathy, the precious agony of Chip (Russell Evans.) I have taught kids like sweet Olive (Sophia Veser) who befriend the borderline autistic kids, somehow intuitively sensing the fragile humanity behind the caustic exterior. Those are just a third of the top-notch cast.

James Swendsen as William Barfee was hilarious and definitely somewhere on the neurotic/psychotic spectrum. James has an outstanding voice and is fearless in creating a character. His "Magic Foot" spelling technique was splendidly interpreted. There were times when I wished he had given us a little more reason to root for William and perhaps even cheer for Olive to love him. But on the other hand his unpleasant neorotic behavior gave the show many of its best laughs. 

Yes, the director is my daughter. She used considerable smarts in putting together a convincing cast and outstanding production, musical, dance, and technical crews.

Granted the small cast and simple set make for less complicated staging. Still I have seen many plays at the RLT since 1963's wonderful Arsenic and Old Lace at the old Maple Street Theater. I remember with great affection Peter Pan 1991, Wizard of Oz 1993, Fiddler 2000, Hairspray 2013, 9 to 5 2017. I have seen no better RLT production overall than Spelling Bee. ("Best show ever!")

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Opening Night:

Opening tonight!

This is a funny, entertaining show.

I am particularly taken with the convincing innocent enthusiasm of Leaf (Zac Mitchell) and the earnestness of little Logainne (Haley Pendleton). Old pro Russell Evans gets to bring the house down as Chip at the beginning of Act II with his pubescent lament, and then pop on and off stage as several minor characters ranging from a gay father to the Lord, himself. There is not a weak spot in the cast.

The show includes small amounts of crude and even brief profane language, seemingly a required element of plays written in this century. There is a hilariously funny segment with a sexual component (mentioned above) that will hit home with every male older that 12. I am a little uncomfortable with the Lord's appearance. It is funny but potentially offensive to some. On the other hand, I suspect the Lord has a sense of humor, after all he created the platypus, Sid Caesar, and sex. And although his eye is on the sparrow I think the outcomes of spelling bees, football games, and (most) other human contests really are not a primary concern of One who loves us all. 😊

Despite those notes, I think most folks will enjoy this exploration of pre-teen/teen angst at the spelling bee. The acting, singing, accompaniment, direction are outstanding.

(Did I mention my daughter is the director?)

It is a rare that an opening night in community theater goes off without a hitch, Spelling Bee did. Ok, Ok, I noticed an actor flub one line, but he stayed in character and made it minimally distracting. Sound guy Greg claimed he'd had some glitches, but I doubt anyone not associated with the production knew it. This was an outstanding opening night.

It is often a joy to see the difference between the final dress rehearsal and opening night. As I wrote yesterday, I was very favorably impressed by the performance before it opened, but the presence of a strong, responsive opening night audience juiced the actors. The added and genuine vitality that exuded from all nine performers from lights-up till final bow was wonderful.

It is hilarious. Your face will hurt from the laughing.

Kudos to all involved.

Stage crew, musicians, choreographer, lights; sound, the surprise pas de deux, actors, directors/producers --- all.

AS the amazing director (my daughter), has written, this is a difficult play to promote to those unfamiliar with it. It is about kids but not for kids. A PG-13 spelling bee play for heaven's sake?! So we must depend upon word-of-mouth. If you attended and enjoyed it, spread the word. Get this production the big audiences it deserves.

And my usual prudish note: This is an adult performance with some cussin' and (hilarious) sexual references. There is also an absurd appearance by the Lord, himself. So if you bring the kids you may have some 'splaining to do.