Review: 'Spelling Bee' at Baltimore's Hippodrome

 Let me start this review by saying that when I saw "The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" in the intimate 650 seat Circle in the Square Theater in New York, I thought it was "cute".  It STILL is "cute" but don't expect a big musical theater experience.

 

 

 

The press and the public have all warmly embraced this little musical, and I do mean LITTLE. With a cast of six, and off-stage band (no orchestra pit since it would have looked ridiculous to have a pit with only five pieces including the conductor/pianist) and very little scenery, this is in fact a small show more suited for the two hundred seat Everyman Theatre or the small space of the Signature Theatre in Arlington (not that these two institutions would ever consider this).

 

 

 

But with the cost of tickets for Broadway shows, I believe the public would rather see  something more substantial with a large cast, big orchestra, great music, dancing, and interesting sets and costumes, etc. 

 

 

 

The heart of any musical is the music. And that is the biggest impediment here. At intermission (and none was planned), I didn't find many people buying the CD. And there is a strong reason for this. I am a big fan of composer William Finn. I loved Falsettos when it was off-Broadway. I love the music for "A New Brain". But I doubt you will find anyone saying the music here is memorable in any way. I found the music monotonous, forgettable, and uninteresting. Some songs were performed with only a piano accompaniment like in a high school talent show.

 

 

 

Spelling Bees have recently been in the public eye more so than ever.  There was the novel "Bee Season" by Myle Goldberg, the 2002 Academy Award nominated documentary "Spellbound", and the wonderful 2006 film "Akeela and the Bee" with Keke Palmer.

 

 

 

The opening night audience was faced with a delay due to sound problems but instead of being honest with the theater-goers, an attempt was made to entertain us with school cheers. I began to wonder what was going on.  Then there were microphone problems. One of the stars, Sarah Stiles unfortunately had to leave during the performance due to illness and again instead of being honest with us, we  were informed her fraternal twin would take her place. And understudy Dana Steingold like a real trooper, put on her make-up and costume and was ready in a matter of minutes. 

 

 

 

This leads me to compliment all the actors. They do a terrific job with limited material. Of course it is difficult to gauge their musical abilities when most of the songs they sing are silly and dare I say inappropriate for a young audience.  Is it really necessary to have a song about one's erection? (To read the lyrics go to www.soundtracklyrics.net).

 

 

 

But all the actors should be applauded for their spunk and spirit. The other spellers include Katie Boren, Miguel Cervantes, Eric Petersen, Lauren Worsham, and Michael Zahler. The two teachers, Jennifer Simard and James Kall, are hysterical. And Alan Green, as part of his "community service" brings a touch of class as the escort for the losers, giving each a hug and a carton of apple juice, as they leave.

 

 

 

Another problem I had with this "Bee" is the attempt to localize the show to wherever it performs. You'll hear plenty of Baltimore references like the light rail, Cal Ripkin, Kweisi Mfume.  Why not just keep it in Putnam County, NY, where it takes place. Should every show do this just to get a few laughs? This is totally unnecessary.

 

 

 

So, do I recommend you see it? Yes, but don't expect an overture, great dancing, a big orchestra, and wonderful music.

 

 

 

"The Bee" also uses as a gimmick, to include audience members on stage to participate in the Spelling Bee.  When the person who gets the biggest ovation of the evening is a cute 13 year old from Cockeysville, Ben Cummings, who surprised many on stage and off with his spelling acumen, that says something. Look for my article on Ben to be posted shortly.

 

 

 

"The Bee" continues at the Hippodrome through Sunday. Call 410-547-SEAT.

 

 

 

cgshubow@broadwayworld.com

 

 

 

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