The Copley Theatre’s recent production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” goes way harder than you’d expect from a musical about kids at a spelling bee, delivering an evening brimming with wit, pathos, charm, and exceptional performances. Under the masterful direction of Stephen Schellhardt, the show takes a veritable island of misfit characters and captures something universal about youthful competition and the way in which adults interfere in the development of children, both positively and negatively. The production successfully taps into the heart of William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin’s Tony Award-winning musical, striking a beautiful balance between humor and heartfelt moments that leave a lasting impact on the audience.
The ensemble cast shines brilliantly, each member bringing depth and individuality to their very quirky roles. Their collective energy and chemistry create a dynamic portrayal of the eclectic group of spellers, and the adult facilitators, making their stories both relatable and compelling no matter how specialized and outre. Each character’s backstory is given room to breathe, allowing the audience to connect with them beyond the competition itself. Musical direction by Kory Danielson is impeccable, ensuring that Finn’s charming score resonates with clarity and emotional depth, while Morgan DiFonzo’s choreography, though subtle, adds a delightful layer of movement that enhances the storytelling. The actors not only display remarkable vocal prowess but also masterfully balance comedic timing with moments of raw vulnerability, making each character’s journey both hilarious and touching. For a bunch of adults, they make convincing kids and adults who haven’t gotten over being kids.
Veronica Garza is impeccable as ever as Rona Lisa Paretti, local realtor and former spelling bee champ who relives her triumph each year as contest coordinator. She’s not only great at the scripted bits, but also at ad libbing as needed, and it was needed during the audience participation portions of the show. Jason Richards as Vice Principal Douglas Panch, is every guy who never got over high school and sort of hates kids, but is still committed to their welfare. And Napthali Curry as Comfort Coordinator Mitch Mahoney provides a nice outside perspective as somebody who has no dog in the spelling bee fight.
It’s not possible to say enough good things about how the cast embraces and brings to life the young protagonists’ story and really transforms believably into an assortment of nerdy kids who are all there for their own reasons. Every one of them is a standout, from Shelbi Voss as perfect transfer student Marcy Park who speaks six languages, Nic Dantes as the smart jock Chip Tolentino locked in a deadly struggle with puberty, Ann Delaney as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere dealing with parental pressure to not be a loser with extreme anxiety and overachievement, and Teddy Gales as focused champion William Barfee with his unique sinus condition and autism coding. It’s impossible to praise any of them enough. And despite their fabulous performances, Ben Broughton as the “dumb kid” Leaf Coneybear, raises the bar still further with the most perfect portrayal of a genuine child I’ve ever seen an adult give. And he does it in one of the doubled roles (which occur frequently).
Which leaves Elizabeth Stenholt as Olive Ostrovsky, who (aided ably in many scenes by Teddy Gales) is the beating heart of this show. She is simultaneously heartwrenching, joyful and genuine in her portrayal of a child whose parents probably shouldn’t be parents, but who is finding her own joy and way in the world. It would have been worth the price of admission on its own, but with a cast this strong, every performance is that.
One of the production’s standout aspects is its seamless audience engagement, a hallmark of the show’s unique format. The interactive elements are handled with finesse, creating moments of spontaneous comedy that feel fresh and unique to each performance. The improvisational interactions with audience members are executed smoothly, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability. This engagement, combined with the production’s polished execution, creates an immersive experience that keeps viewers fully invested from start to finish.
The technical aspects of the production are equally commendable. Theresa Ham’s costume design perfectly encapsulates each character’s personality, adding visual flair to the performance. The bright and individualized costumes help differentiate the spellers while subtly hinting at their personal struggles and aspirations. G. “Max” Maxin IV’s lighting design and Adam Rosenthal’s sound design work in harmony to create an immersive atmosphere, transporting the audience into the world of the spelling bee. The lighting cues accentuate emotional beats with precision, and the crisp sound quality ensures that every lyric and joke lands effectively. Aimee Plant’s attention to detail in prop design further enriches the authenticity of the setting, bringing the gymnasium-turned-competition space to vibrant life right down to the kickball rack, the goat mascot and motivational posters on the wall.
This production not only highlights the comedic elements inherent in Sheinkin’s book but also delves into the poignant moments that reveal the vulnerabilities of each character. The balance between humor and heart is meticulously maintained, resulting in a performance that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. As the spellers navigate their personal challenges—from overbearing parents, to perfectionism, to puberty, to struggles with self-confidence—the audience is reminded of the universal nature of childhood pressures and the bittersweet journey of growing up.
In addition to its technical excellence and standout performances, the production benefits from the Copley Theatre’s intimate setting, which allows for a close-up experience of the actors’ nuanced expressions and interactions. It invites the audience to be part of the performance, which is important in this show. This proximity enhances the comedic elements while also deepening the emotional connections, making for a uniquely engaging theatrical experience. The sincerity and exuberance of the performances transform what could simply be a quirky musical into a deeply touching exploration of childhood, ambition, and self-discovery.
In summary, the Copley Theatre’s rendition of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a testament to the power of cohesive storytelling, stellar performances, and meticulous production design. It offers audiences a joyous and heartfelt experience that lingers long after the final curtain call. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the musical or experiencing it for the first time, this production is a must-see, providing the perfect blend of laughter and heart.
All Photographs by Amy Nelson
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