BEE THERE AT REVOLUTION!
Revolution Stage Company, which had a winner earlier in the year with Avenue Q, has another hit musical comedy on its hands with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a charmer full of wit, humor and heart. Featuring a fast-paced, superbly giddy and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin (Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book) and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn (Falsettos), this bee is one unforgettable experience.
Spelling Bee was derived from the improvisational play C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E created by Rebecca Feldman. Based on a recommendation from playwright Wendy Wasserstein, Feldman collaborated with Finn to further develop the concept. It would make its way to Off-Broadway in January 2005. Additional material is credited to Jay Reiss.
Sheinkin’s book isn’t so much about plot as it is about exploring the back stories of the kids and staff involved in a spelling contest, during which an eclectic group of six mid-pubescents — who will tell stories about life outside of the Bee — compete for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of words (some invented, some impossible to spell) hoping to never hear the soul-crushing “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves. Three to four audience members are chosen to go up on stage and be spellers, and then given moderately easy words, which is questioned by another bee participant. At least the losers get a juice box. The chaos that ensues makes all of this even funnier.
Director James Owens, who also designed the school gymnasium set in which the spelling bee takes place — offers an impeccable cast, each of whom has their own unique humor and whimsy.
A beacon of talent, the dynamic Joseph Portoles is a riot as William Barfée, a socially awkward, stuck-up but likeable know-it-all whose secret to great spelling is his “Magic Foot.” As long as he can use his foot to spell out the spelling words before saying them, he is almost unstoppable in his talents for assembling letters in the right combinations. Portoles’s conviction creates a richly well-developed character, but it must have been choreographer Allie Mendoza who made his foot-spelling so great.
Candace Coe provides her character, Olive Ostrosky, with honesty and a grounded interpretation that touches the heart. Olive, who had to take the bus to the event because of absent parents, has become a master speller thanks to the religious reading of her favorite book – the dictionary. Coe is also a charming singer.
Carlos Garcia plays Chip Tolentino, the returning Putnam County spelling champ. Costumed by Emma Bibo in the uniform of a highly decorated Boy Scout, Acosta provides a dose of tantrum child to his character who can’t stand the idea of not repeating with another victory. Too bad about “An Unfortunate Erection.” It may sound trite, but it’s really fun to see an actor having so much fun.
Keanna Garcia (the sister of Carlos) is all steely-eyed Wednesday Addams as the always serious Marcy Park, the girl who is tired of winning everything. Garcia moves and sings with grace. Her stoic characterization is very amusing, and she maintains the icy demeanor perfectly, right up until it is time for her to show a little warmth in her heart. During her song “I Speak Six Languages” Keanna multitasks all the things her character has been successful in. It is a nicely balanced performance.
A regular on CV stages, Christine Michele, once again showing off her comedic chops, is side-splittingly amusing as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenier, the youngest competitor in the bee. Notice how without pulling focus she is always creating these hysterical moments. With her quirkiness, fidgeting, and slight speech impediment, there’s only one thing Logainne wants more than to please her two dads – to do it fairly on her own.
Samuel Moffatt may have the most fun character to play in the show, certainly the most endearing. As Leaf Coneybear, Moffatt takes the world on in big-eyed amazement and wonder — which means he spaces out (Moffatt’s facial expressions are worth the price of admission). A home-schooled kid who wears a homemade superhero cape, Leaf is just happy to be in the contest and the opportunity to prove to his family that he is smart – something they had suggested he wasn’t.
Kelly McDaniel is Rona Lisa Peretti – a former Putnam County Spelling Bee champ who now runs spelling bee competitions. Barron has a coloratura belt that is to die for – yet she blended beautifully with the rest of the cast. When trying to soothe Olive, McDaniel’s motherly nature really does great justice to the part. Much like some beauty pageant contestants, Rona is caught living in her past glory days.
Nathan Cox is deliciously funny as Vice Principal Douglas Panch, who is in charge of pronouncing the spelling words, providing definitions, and using the word in a sentence. With largely improvised dialogue, Cox’s delivery really made the character stand out as a favorite. His constant frustration when any contestant would ask for the definitions or the use of the word in a sentence is awesome.
Adding to the oddball collection of characters at the spelling bee, Alicia Bates gets to gender swap as the grief counselor for the event, Mitch Mahoney. Assigned as community service, who better to console children with crushed feelings than someone who is there because they broke some kind of law? I mean, everyone’s great, but Bates stole the scene every time, showing off a strong voice in the reprise of “Pandemonium”, a number which highlighted Mariah Pryor‘s clever lighting.
This comedy is a perfect way to escape the doldrums of life. For the modest price of admission, you will be swept away to a world free of worries beyond wondering which cute “kid” is going to be crowned spelling champ. It is a playground where playful songs will have your toes tapping, your head bopping, and your thoughts dancing.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Revolution Stage Company
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive in Downtown Palm Springs, near Revivals
future performances:
Tue. Apr 23 2024 at 7
Wed. Apr 24 2024 at 7
Thu. Apr 25 2024 at 7
Sat. Apr 27 2024 at 2
Sat. Apr 27 2024 at 7:30
Sun. Apr 28 2024 at 2
ends on April 28, 2024
for tickets ($35-$45), visit Revolution
