Review: PUTNAM COUNTY at Signature Theatre Spells FUN in Six Languages

January 15th through 17th the Wichita Scottish Rite Signature Theatre presented The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee to the delight of local audiences. Director Deb Campbell has done it again.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, with music and lyrics by William Finn and originally directed by James Lapine, ran at the Circle in the Square Theatre on Broadway where it received rave reviews. It also ignited the career of Josh Gadd, who has been made famous by movies like The Wedding Ringer and Frozen. Though it only requires a relatively small cast, this show packs a serious punch. The tongue-in-cheek musical is delightfully inappropriate.

The strongest element of the Signature production was the casting- each actor was PERFECT for their role. As a collective, the cast was strong and versatile. Lydia Pirilli Harbutz, as the conflicted and dutiful Marcy, is a virtual Disney princess. Julia Faust as Rona, former bee winner and current host, was able to show off her acting chops as well as her voice. Alex Castaneda was a charming and beguiling Leaf. The entire talented and utilized cast included Emily Vargo, Brennan O'Rourke, Ryan Schafer, Tara Becker-Harms, Nathan Houseman, Sheena Monroe, Gilbert Pearce, John Dalton-White, Cameron Carlson, Huron Breaux and Anthony Ritz.

The Next Signature shows include Oedipus Rex February 19 through 21 and A Streetcar Named Desire April 1-3. Wichita Scottish Rite is located at 332 E 1st Street, Wichita. Visit www.wichitascottishrite.org for more information.