Joyce Wagner
In Motion Staff Writer
Anyone who has been in a spelling bee is familiar with the stress and anxiety that comes with it. The musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee brings a comedic twist to the event.
Rona Lisa Peretti, played by Alexa Miles, the 3rd annual spelling bee champion with the word ‘syzygy’ was the host of the 25th annual spelling bee. Miles also portrayed a contestant’s mother later in the play.
Photo By: Michael Denike/In Motion
An experienced performer with 7 or 8 plays under her belt, mostly musicals, Miles said “ I still get nervous for every single one; every night, of every single show, of every play I’ve ever been in. I don ‘t think it’ll ever go away. “ Her proud father quickly quipped that fans can follow her at AlexaMiles.com
After a five-year hiatus, Vice Principal Douglas Panch, played by Timothy Campanaro, returned to announce words and definitions for the contestants, his admiration for Ms. Peretti being obvious. He was also quick to bring up the ‘incident’ that required five years of psycho therapy.
The district winners were announced, bringing an assortment of characters to the stage, including Leaf Coneybear, played by Patrick Moffett, who had actually placed 3rd but was chosen to represent his school by default. Leaf was inquisitive and amusing each time it was his turn to spell. Dressed in a cape and helmet, he blurted out the letters, almost as if by chance.
Bringing a high level of energy to his character, Moffett, who has worked on numerous productions said, “I usually get nervous backstage, but once I get out there, it’s fine.” Comfortable in front of live audiences, he enjoys getting the immediate feedback from those in attendance.
The first speller, Logainne Schwartzandgrunenierre, played by Jensen Lescarbeau, an elementary student with two dads, spoke with a speech impediment and spelled out the words on her arm to visualize them. Combining the last names of her fathers, Carl Schwartz and Daniel Grunenierre, created her impossibly long name .
Arriving by bus and without her entrance fee, Olive Ostrovsky, played by Hope Renee Clinard, tended to growl the words into her hand before spelling them. Desperately, she hoped her father would arrive for this important day in her life. Her mother on the other hand, was in an ashram in India and had a ‘symbolic’ chair saved for her.
Using his ‘magic foot’, William Barfe’e, played by Frank Anello the first weekend and Julian Scherer the second, drew imaginary letters on the floor as he spelled the word verbally. His last name was continuously pronounced incorrectly much to his dismay and leading to several funny quips about it.
New to Putnam County, Marcy Park, played by Jerica O’Neal, had placed 9th in nationals the previous year. An overachiever, Marcy takes everything seriously and feels the pressure to always succeed.
On the verge of puberty, Chip Tolentino, played by Chris Adams, sported a scouting uniform. He also had a dual role playing Jesus Christ. Distracted during the spelling bee, Chip’s attention was drawn to Leaf’s sister in the audience, leading to his inopportune inability to walk without placing his placard discreetly in front of him. He is surprised and angered when he misspelled the word. Later, he sang the song “My Unfortunate Erection” to express his feelings.
Additionally, four audience members who had been chosen by the cast prior to the show were asked on stage as part of the spelling bee. This unique idea of having audience volunteers is written into the play itself. According to Moffett, “They had been told to always ask for the word’s definition and for it to be used in a sentence.”
Miss Stuart was unable to spell her first word, especially since the definition and sentence use were of no help. She was promptly escorted off the stage by the comfort counselor, Jonathan Perez as Mitch Mahoney and also Olive’s dad later in the play.
Miss Gutierrez, Ms. Smithwick and Mr. Moffett made it through two rounds before being sent off to a chorus of goodbyes.
For Mr. Moffett’s first word he asked if he could phone a friend before spelling out c-o-w. Asking for a definition for his final word, but was told it didn’t have one and that it was an old Nantucket whaling term. His spelling of the word was greeted by laughter from the audience, followed by his exit from the stage.
Even the intermission was amusing. The spelling bee contestants were sent out for a ‘snack break.’ During this time, Chip came back into the theater, ironically to sell chips. His dramatics led right up to the spelling bee getting underway again.
Rounding out the ensemble were: Anamari Rosado, Joelle Gossman, Steven Cork and Kelvin Oats. Each had two or more roles during the play.
The cast, crew and band put a lot of time and effort into bringing this funny, well-sung piece to the News Journal Center. The play wrapped up with an amusing ‘where are they now’ sequence.