“Your word is ‘entertaining.’”
“Could I have the definition, please?”
“Amusement or diversion provided especially by performers.”
“Could you use it in a sentence?”
“Billy agreed that the season opener at Theatre By The Sea was quite entertaining.”
“Entertaining. ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.’ Entertaining.”
“That is correct.”
It’s a fairly simple proposition: spelling champions from all over the region gather in a gymnasium. One by one, they are cut down by increasingly more difficult words. Finally, one wins. Simple.
But wait, there’s more.
Exceptional comedy. Quick bits of drama, even pathos. Fun choreography. Superb singing. All delivered effortlessly by a Broadway-quality cast.
Put it all together, and you’ve got superb e-n-t-e-r-t-a-i-n-m-e-n-t.
Director Amiee Turner has assembled a top-notch cast, including Lisa Yuen (Marcy Park), reprising her role in the original Broadway cast, and Joanne Krupnick (Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre), reprising her national touring company role.
(front row from left) Cary Michele Miller, Steve Gagliastro, Joanna Krupnick,(middle) Lisa Yuen, (back row from left) Nathan Chang, and Michael J. Borges portray the student spellers - photo by Mark Turek
“The Bee” is a close-to-coming-of-age story, featuring six fairly neurotic overachieving youngsters and three completely neurotic adults.
What makes “The Bee” so much fun is that each of the characters is very clearly defined and relatable, and each has a moment to shine.
Michael J. Borges (Leaf Coneybear) stands out as the extremely awkward and borderline autistic child of children of the 60’s. He’s always up to something, including blowing soap bubbles and appearing to enjoy eating them.
Local performer Michael Gregory Johnson is also strong in the role of vice-principal Doug Panch, delivering some of the show’s best lines as he uses the spelling words in sentences.
Caitlin McGinty and Michael Gregory Johnson portray Rona Lisa Peretti and Vice Principal Douglas Panch - photo by Mark Turek
If you really want to enjoy your “Bee” experience, find a spelling recruiter as you walk in. Four audience members act as spellers and join the fun on stage. If that sounds like fun to you, be sure to show up e-a-r-l-y.
by Frank O’Donnell / June 5, 2011
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs at Matunuck’s Theatre By The Sea through June 19. For tickets, call (401) 782-TKTS (8587) or visit www.theatrebythesea.com.
