REVIEW: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

My favorite comedy spells everything right

This is a show that I can totally nerd out over; I have seen so many productions of it and feel like I understand it well enough to maybe direct it myself one day (should I ever take on the Herculean task of directing, that is.) So, the bar was set extremely high for Chaz Walcott as he directed and choreographed his first show at CCM.

I told him that the first time I met him.

And I told him tonight, both at intermission and after the show, that he gets an A+. I've never heard a better version vocally, thanks to musical director Steve Goers and the incredible cast. The characters, while in keeping with the over-the-top spirit of the show, were multidimensional and even understated at times. The choreography was logical and inventive and kept my interest. All the technical design elements, from sound to lighting to sets, costumes, and props served the story well.

What didn’t I like about it? It’s longer than usual, with what felt like a lengthier-than-normal intermission smack dab in the center. I don’t mind that, but when the show starts ten minutes late - on a weeknight - that makes for a rough morning for old guys like me. Perhaps as the show runs this weekend, it’ll tighten up and be a little snappier. That said, the comedy was well-placed, the cast allowed to shine, and the sweetness at the core of the musical is fully intact.

The actors are perfectly cast. Andrew Burke has awkward, prepubescent bravado as last year’s champion, “Chip Tolentino.” His rendition of “Chip’s Lament” is fearless. Annalise Prentiss plays “Marcy Park,” a perfectionist who’s good at everything - and the physicality of “I Speak Six Languages” is impressive. Amanda Bishop is “Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere,” whose aggressively liberal ideologies don’t feel so outrageous in 2023, and Bishop mines for connection rather than laughs. Joey Baciocco, a freshman, IS “Leaf Coneybear,” with his awkward movements, impressive authenticity, and outstanding vocal range. He walks right up to the line with what is too much from this naive-but-not-dumb character and delivers.

Nicholas Pattarini, usually cast in leading everyman roles like “Something Rotten” or “Ragtime,” shows incredible versatility as “William Barfée.” He shines on “Magic Foot” with big-time show business vibes and personality. Our last speller is “Olive Ostrovsky,” played magnificently by Madison Osment, whose restraint is remarkable. Osment brings her to life without needing to be anything other than normal - her story is tragic enough without being a weirdo.

Dan Klimko plays “Vince Principal Panch” and has some great zingers. He has to keep the show on the rails and does so. Sam Yousuf plays “Mitch Mahoney” without stereotype; his vocals are the focus, and when he sang, I got chills. JT Langlas maximizes his cameo as “Jesus,” in a fabulous costume.

My favorite performer of the show, though, is one of the most challenging roles to sing, and finding the right characterization is tough, but Julia Schick is a perfect “Rona Lisa Perretti.” No one can outsing her, but her acting is natural, commanding, and honest.

I will see the show again this weekend; I might be back with more thoughts once I’ve had time to percolate on it more. But congratulations to Chaz Walcott, Steve Goers, and the cast, crew, and faculty at CCM on another fantastic production.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs this weekend at CCM; it’s either sold out or mostly sold out, so check with the box office to see if you can waitlist. It’s worth it.