Review: 4TH ANNUAL 24-HOUR MUSICAL CHALLENGE at West Hudson Arts & Theater Company

You have 24 hours from the time you are given the script to put on a full musical production.

Do you accept the challenge?

The West Hudson Arts & Theater Company (W.H.A.T.) did, as it showcased its fourth 24-Hour Musical Challenge - "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."

The one-night only show, which took place on Saturday, Jan. 9 was pulled together so seamlessly given the amount of time allotted to the actors, musicians, as well as the light and set crews, that it seemed as if all involved were completely dedicated and involved in the production for weeks, if not months!

The fact that the musical turned out to be a superb production is a strong indicator of, not only the level of talent, but professionalism of all involved.

According to Gerald Ficeto, director of W.H.A.T., members of the cast and crew did not have to undergo a regular audition process as they were invited by the theater company based on other work that they did for the organization.

Director and Choreographer Michele Sarnoski contended the same, adding that those chosen were considered due to, not only their talent and availability, but "their work ethic and commitment."

And committed they all were.

The cast and crew underwent a grueling schedule that commenced the previous evening - Friday, Jan. 8 - when they started arriving on set at approximately 6 p.m. The first show run-through took place immediately after - from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Vocal rehearsals took place from 9 to 10:30 p.m. and choreography from 10:30 to midnight followed by additional show run-throughs, costume fittings and intermittent snack and sleep breaks throughout the night.

"It was really fun," said Faith D'Isa, who perfectly portrayed Olive Ostrovsky - the sweet and charming runner-up of the spelling bee who hopes her dad can make it from work on time to see her participate.

"We all slept in sleeping bags on the floor," said Devin Wason, who portrays over-achieving private school student Marcy Park - a young girl who yearns to be normal by not being perfect. "It was like a huge sleepover."

Albeit every single actor who grazed the stage did an exceptional job, some characters really stood out as fan favorites, including Michael Berko's portrayal of Leaf Coneybear - a homeschooled boy who gets into the spelling bee competition on a lark, makes his own clothes, wears a cape and a helmet and spells words correctly while in a trance.

Adrian Yilatopa portrayed Boy Scout Chip Tolentino, another fan favorite. Chip is the champion of the previous spelling bee who is back to defend his title. His hilarious and strong rendition of "Chip's Lament" drew boisterous laughter and applause from the audience.

One of the great things about this musical is the audience participation. This is something which is seldom seen in other plays and musicals.

In W.H.A.T.'s production, three audience members were invited on stage to compete in the bee alongside the main characters.

Though there have been many productions of the "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" since it debuted Off-Broadway over 10 years ago, W.H.A.T.'s version included elements of pop culture - such as the inclusion of Donna Trump, an egotistical, "all business" spelling bee participant portrayed by Julia Truskolawski - converting it into a more contemporary musical.

Though W.H.A.T.'s 24-hour musical challenges debuted in 2013, this is the first one I attended. After witnessing such a great show, I hope it won't be my last.

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