REVIEW: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Sterling Playmakers)

There's a lot to learn at a spelling bee, and the spellers in Sterling Playmakers' The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee learn far more than just letters. This beloved, idiosyncratic musical celebrates childhood in all its weird, hyperperfectionist, too-high-stakes, just-want-someone-to-love-me glory with the wildest vocabulary you can imagine. (And probably a few words you can't!)

This strong ensemble show features an all-adult cast of three staff presenters, six tween- and teenage spellers, and four guest spellers chosen from the crowd every show. The guests, the words, and the dramatic, tragic, juice-box-accompanied, fiercely applauded disqualifications change daily, keeping it fresh time after time. (Interested audience members can throw their hat in the ring before the show starts by filling out a small form in the lobby.)

All nine actors have a beautiful hold on the music (surprisingly broad ranging and always well-delivered) and--unusual for a musical--improvisation. Music direction by Jim Bowen-Collinson and stage direction by Kyle Chua lead a gifted cast deftly through the small scope story as each cast member slowly reveals all the events that led to their appearance on stage at the bee and spells their heart out for the chance at the trophy.

Vice Principal Panch, top realtor/guest presenter Rona, and comfort counselor Mitch Mahoney keep the bee moving swiftly. Nathan McGraw's Panch is doing much better (thank you for asking) and ready to deliver the most unhinged prompts to the eager spellers while maintaining mostly perfect composure. You would never guess the constant re-engineering happening in his head as each day's events and new guest spellers literally rearrange plot points and rewrite the show in real time. He's simply ready with a quick retort and the name of the next speller. Jessi Shull's Rona brings a warmth and optimism to the bee, and her clear, soaring voice charmed the audience in her frequent narrative moments and advice to students. Lauren Baker's Mitch is learning quickly that these kids aren’t the most emotionally regulated. She hits a perfect mix of incredulity and compassion all while delivering powerhouse vocals. These three staff members, quirky as they are, provide a perfect support system for the ensemble of misfit spellers.

Christian Rodgers plays popular kid Chip who's one "no" away from crashing out with great physical comedy. Rachel Donders' perfectionist Schwartzy has an unreal energy level that never wavers, especially highlighted in a long, rapid-fire monologue about all the political issues weighing on the elementary schooler's mind. Zach Burgess's off-beat Leaf has incredible focus on stage, demanding the audience's attention while his own bounces from one topic to the next in songs like "I'm Not That Smart." YAM company member Spencer Pilcher as Barfée achieves an endearing vulnerability underneath his abrasive exterior, complementing his bravado and fancy footwork in the high-energy "Magic Foot." Kathryn Whitis' high-achieving Marcy is neat and crisp and better than you and a dancer to boot in the crowd-pleasing "I Speak Six Languages." Her pitch-perfect sardonic attitude sticks the landing every time. McKinley Seale's sweet, nervous Olive delivers the emotion as she deftly manuveurs between tickled-to-be-there language nerd and scared-to-be-left-behind little girl. Her emotional depth packs a wallop for anyone who has ever felt lonely.

Each of the spellers charmed the audience with their portrayals. Disqualifications were met with gasps, heartbreak with teary eyes, and big musical notes with raucous applause. In a play where everyone is such a strong individual character, each actor held their own and shined. Group numbers like "Pandemonium" and the opening title song buzzed with energy and fun.

Particular highlights were Lauren Baker, Jessi Shull, and McKinley Seale's "The I Love You Song" (heartbreakingly lovely); Marcy's prayer (a moment of pure fun in the steadily more serious back half of the show); Cecelia Hubbard's lighting design (especially for a few special Leaf Coneybear moments); and "Pandemonium" (a full cast musical dance number including guest spellers). Every minute of this production entertained and charmed. They might not all be winners, but they sure won us over. By the time the bee is over, you'll definitely be rooting for every one of these champs!

Info: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs November 14-23, with Friday and Saturday evening performances at 7:30pm and Sunday matinées at 2pm. Tickets are available online in advance or at the door. Tickets are $20 or $19 with the donation of a non-perishable food item.