"Okay, eyes on me kids" were the words that started the hilarious performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Community Center Theatre. With the house lights still up and the audience still talking the theatre was then transported into a Jr. High School gymnasium where the vice principle was still law; in quintessential Americana style this new production in Sacramento takes the audience literally and metaphorically back to the eighth grade. Ever-changing due to audience participation this show cracks a window into a small county spelling bee—where placing second is not an option if going to the nationals is your goal.
The spellers include Leaf Coneybear, who shouldn't really be here since he finished third in his school bee, and continues to believe that he might not be good enough and Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, a lisping, strongly politically active little girl whose gay dads are here for competitive and moral support. There's Boy Scout Chip Tolentino, last year's champ, who this year unfortunately is very distracted by Leaf Conybear's pretty sister in the audience, to the point of jeopardy in the bee. There's William Barfee, an arrogant, unpopular kid with chronic respiratory issues and a magical foot, and Olive Ostrovsky, a bright girl with chronically missing parents and no entrance fee. Finally, there's Marcy Park, an overachiever with all the talent to win and none of the drive. Running the competition are hostess and former spelling bee champion Rona Lisa Perretti, and substitute word pronouncer Vice Principal Douglas Panch.
Although only at the Community Center for a short time this outstanding performance is not to be missed. Catch it from March 5th through March 16th. More information
The spellers include Leaf Coneybear, who shouldn't really be here since he finished third in his school bee, and continues to believe that he might not be good enough and Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, a lisping, strongly politically active little girl whose gay dads are here for competitive and moral support. There's Boy Scout Chip Tolentino, last year's champ, who this year unfortunately is very distracted by Leaf Conybear's pretty sister in the audience, to the point of jeopardy in the bee. There's William Barfee, an arrogant, unpopular kid with chronic respiratory issues and a magical foot, and Olive Ostrovsky, a bright girl with chronically missing parents and no entrance fee. Finally, there's Marcy Park, an overachiever with all the talent to win and none of the drive. Running the competition are hostess and former spelling bee champion Rona Lisa Perretti, and substitute word pronouncer Vice Principal Douglas Panch.
Although only at the Community Center for a short time this outstanding performance is not to be missed. Catch it from March 5th through March 16th. More information
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