Landmark to Hold Auditions for Putnam County Spelling Bee

Press release

Landmark Community Theatre will be holding auditions for the musical, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, on Sunday, February 18th and Monday, February 19th from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Thomaston Opera House.

Auditions will be on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments are required. Auditions will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both days. Michael Ricciardone will direct the show with choreography by Matt Benson. The show dates are April 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, May 3, 4, and 5 for a total of 8 performances. Performances will be held on Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. Rehearsals will begin on Monday, February 26th and continue to be held 3-4 times a week. Rehearsal days are tentatively scheduled for Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday evenings. The schedule may change based on cast availability.

Auditioners must bring sheet music with them and be prepared to sing 32 bars (about a minute) of a fully memorized musical theater song showcasing the style and vocal range of the character for which they are auditioning. Songs from SPELLING BEE will be allowed. Additional vocalizing may also be a part of the audition to determine vocal range and harmonizing skills. An accompanist will be provided; no recorded accompaniment is permitted. Minimum age to audition is 16 years old.

LCT is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. As such, we encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, and ages to attend every audition. Performers with disabilities are encouraged to audition. Please indicate if you need special services, assistance, or appropriate modifications to fully participate in this event by contacting Andrea Bingham, Production Manager, andrea@landmarkcommunitytheatre.org

Plot Summary: Putnam Valley Middle School is holding its 25th Annual Spelling Bee. Six eclectic tweens compete to win the $200 prize and bragging rights. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life-un affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box. A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor.

Character Breakdown:

• CHIP TOLENTINO [also JESUS] – C4-B5; An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of last year’s spelling bee, returning to defend title.

• LOGAINNE SCHWARTZANDGRUBENNIERE – A3-F5; Youngest and most politically aware speller, driven by internal and external pressure with a desire to win and make her two fathers proud, speaks with a lisp.

• LEAF CONEYBEAR [also CARL DAD] – A3-A5; Gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing, comes from a large family of former hippies, spells words correctly while in a trance.

• WILLIAM BARFEE – E4-B5; A finalist last year, was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication, uses “magic foot” method of spelling.

• MARCY PARK – C4-E5; New to Putnam County, Marcy placed ninth in last year’s nationals, speaks six languages. Comes from a family where excellence is expected.

• OLIVE OSTROVSKY – B3-F5; A newcomer to competitive spelling. Enormously shy, however, gains more confidence throughout the bee.

• RONA LISA PERRETTI [also OLIVE’S MOM] – B3-F5; A sweet woman who loves children, she is the number-one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam Country Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator.

• VICE PRINCIPAL DOUGLAS PANCH – The Vice Principle. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti.

• MITCH MAHONEY [also DAN DAD and OLIVE’S DAD] – E4-B5; The Official Comfort Counselor (he has no idea how to offer comfort). An ex-convict, he is performing his community service with the Bee.