Review: '25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'

I had better make sure everything in this review is spelled correctly, or the cast of The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be sure to let me know!

Spelling Bee is a goofy little show that proves to be tremendous fun. Rachael Sheinkin’s witty book introduces us to group of social misfits united by their love of language as they compete in a regional spelling bee.

Though the premise may seem fairly simple, this is actually quite a complex show. The score by William Finn is extremely difficult. Fortunately Encore Entertainment’s cast with the help of music director Ellen Kestenberg masters the challenge of singing Finn’s angular music, giving careful attention to his equally exigent lyrics.

David Wicken nearly steals the show in the role of William Barfee, an overachieving, overweight and nasally challenged individual whose technique involves using his “magic” foot help him visualize the words.

One of his challengers, Leaf Coneybear, snaps into a trance before spelling each word correctly. Rob Reardon offers a droll performance that reminded me of the character Sheldon on TV’s Big Bang Theory.

He is balanced by Olivia Jon playing the fiercely intelligent and painfully shy Marcy Park. She speaks six languages yet can’t seem to communicate.

With the support of her two dads, the lisping Logainne SchwartzandGrubenniere is the youngest member of the group. An overachiever played to the hilt by Sophia Fabiilli

Eric Miinch plays the group super jock Chip (What are the odds in show like Spelling Bee of having two cast members with double i’s in their surnames?) He endures the most embarrassing situation when his fantasies about Leaf’s sister cause a condition every teen boy has experienced at one time or another. He even gets one of Finn’s funniest songs called (I kid you not) “My Unfortunate Erection.”

It seems every member of the group has some unfortunate situation to deal with: Absentee parents in Olive Ostrovsky’s case. Lauren Toffan gives a touching performance as the lonely Olive.

There is an added bonus for audience members who wish to test their abilities and sign up as guest spellers. This allows the cast members particularly Sarah Haley Matte and Trevor Cartlidge as the Bee officials a chance to test their improvisational skills. Don’t worry if you misspell a word: Jason Huska as ex-con turned comfort counselor Mitch Mahoney will escort you away with complimentary juice box.

Reviewed at the dress rehearsal, Encore Entertainment’s production is sharply focused.  Credit a fine ensemble cast, choreographer Larry Westlake and director Mario D’Alimonte for collaborating on a production that spells great entertainment.

 

Encore Entertainment presents The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in the studio theater at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge Street, until November 7. For tickets visit http://www.stage-door.org/encore/index.htm  or call 416-872-1111.

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