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BWW Interviews: Shepherd University Scene Stealers Talk THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
By: Johnna Leary Apr. 15, 2013
In Shepherd University Scene Stealers' production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, set to open April 18, all of the hilarious and heartwarming events you wish had happened at your own childhood spelling bee actually occur, and they are turned into musical numbers!
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee tells the story of six quirky middle school spelling bee contestants, guided by three adults who barely grew up themselves, competing to go to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Throughout the course of the show, they learn that "winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser". The Tony award winning musical features music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin.
"Rehearsing for this show has been like re-living childhood. We all have those experiences from adolescence, like puberty, being socially awkward and making new friends" said Paul Cabell, a music education major who plays William Barfee.
"It is so much fun directing this cast because each person is so talented and has their own contributions to bring to the process" said director Ed Conn.
The cast is composed of Shepherd University students participating in the organization Scene Stealers. Scene Stealers is the entirely student-run musical theater performance group at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. This is the fifth semester the Scene Stealers group has produced and performed a show The group of students in Scene Stealers, led by an executive board, are responsible for securing rights to perform a show, obtaining the performance space, scheduling rehearsals and many other responsibilities.
"The most interesting part for me has been seeing how the musical theatre program has grown since I was a student at Shepherd from 2004-2007" added Conn.
"It's all about collaboration and is a learning experience for everyone. We all have something to offer and learn from each other" said Brian D. James, who plays Leaf Coneybear.
"There are actually a lot of non-music majors involved in the group. We are all learning and taking directions from our peers as opposed to faculty members. Our director and music director are learning too" said Shannen Banzhoff, who plays Marcy Park.
A unique aspect about The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee the cast is quick to point out is the amount of improvisation and audience participation in the show. Each performance, four audience members who volunteer before the show begins are chosen to go up onstage and compete in the spelling bee along with the six character spellers.
"The audience participation makes it really fun for both the audience and the cast, since we never know what's going to happen" added Banzhoff.
Though the show features middle school-aged characters, it is a light-hearted musical comedy for adults with adult humor. The musical addresses some serious issues, such as child neglect, homophobia and bullying, through the varied back stories of the six spellers. "Our own social journeys help us discover what these characters are going through" added Cabell.
"It is a really funny show with lots of adult humor, even though the show is about middle school kids." said James.
The show is directed and choreographed by Shepherd alumnus Ed Conn, musically directed by Courtney Bullock, and features Megan West as Rona Lisa Perretti, Matt Rothenberg as Chip Tolentino, Leslie Hencke as Logan Schwartzandgrubenniere (Schwarzy), Brian D. James as Leaf Coneybear, Shannen Banzhoff as Marcy Park, Paul Cabell as William Barfee, Johnna Leary as Olive Ostrovsky, Marina Ciarmella as Vice Principal Panch and CorRay LaFleur as Mitch Mahoney.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will run April 20 at 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM and April 21 at 3:00 PM at Reynolds Hall on the Shepherd University Campus at 109 North King Street, Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for non-Shepherd students and $7 for Shepherd students. There will be a free preview night for Shepherd University students (with a valid Rambler I.D. card) on April 18 at 9:00 PM in Reynolds Hall. Non-Shepherd students and community members may also attend the preview night, but will be required to pay the appropriate ticket price. For more information about Scene Stealers, please visit http://scenestealers.weebly.com/index.html. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is rated PG-13 for language and sexual content.
Photo Credit: Shepherd University Scene Stealers
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