Review of 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' at PSC

In memory of my father, for whom I am named, and from whom I got my abrasive sense of humor and neurotic perfectionism.- Leland M. Schick

Oakville, CT - A Google search tells me that the Phoenix Stage Company production of ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ marks the ninth time I have seen this wonderful show. I knew that it was probably at least the fifth, but attending nine different performances explains a lot, like why I know so many of the lyrics, why I have so many favorite lines and definitely why I look forward to seeing how the team producing the latest production will make it their own.

‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by William Finn, a book by Rachel Sheinkin, conceived by Rebecca Feldman with additional material by Jay Reiss. The show centers on a fictional spelling bee set in a geographically ambiguous Putnam Valley Middle School. Six quirky adolescents compete in the Bee, run by three equally quirky grown-ups. It is both extremely funny and quite touching, and it never gets old, no matter how many times I see it.

The PSC production team effectively put their own stamp on the final guest dress rehearsal performance that I attended along with a good number of performers, directors, and a fellow reviewer. There were some great topical and very funny references, most notably one political rant by Logainne. Costumes by Ed Bassett for some of the characters were classic ‘Spelling Bee,’ while others took on a new spin. The loud suit jacket for Vice Principal Panch was a riot, and the younger actor Brian Elser carried it off well with a bit of gray added to his hair.

Phoenix Stage Company founding partner Ed Bassett warned the dress rehearsal audience members in his curtain speech not to help the spellers. I heard him admit after the performance that he hadn’t expected us to applaud when one of the characters or audience members chosen as last minute additions to the cast spelled a word correctly. Every musical number was effectively directed by the director/music director Maurice Steinberg, assisted by his wife Beth Steinberg who also served as choreographer and stage manager. Mr. Steinberg was a public school music teacher for 45 years and is now retired, but he currently conducts the Torrington Symphony Orchestra and teaches piano at his home. Ms. Steinberg has appeared onstage at the PSC and is currently a teacher’s aide in Litchfield. The couple clearly knew every nuance of this relatively small piece and helped their terrific cast members to shine in every scene, although I must admit that “Pandemonium” was probably my personal favorite.

Director/Music Director Maurice Steinberg and cast member Brian Elser joined Eric Lindblom to discuss THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Phoenix Stage Company on Backstage.

Nicholas Bourne was a non-stop Leaf Coneybear in his PSC debut and stepped up to play Carl Dad. Dante Cyr (‘The Three Musketeers’ with PSC and ‘Hairspray’ at Naugatuck Valley Community College) was a riot as Chip Tolentino; this talented young actor thanked his mentor Burton Tedesco for his inspiration and guidance. We all miss Mr. Tedesco at NVCC, who has moved on to another university. Jack Douglas made his debut at the PSC and was outstanding in the role of Mitch Mahoney, Dan Dad and Olive’s Dad. I remembered this young man from his appearances at NVCC in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ ‘Next to Normal,’ and ‘Cabaret’ and his wonderful singing voice. This comfort counselor passed out juice pouches instead of juice boxes to the eliminated spellers.

Mr. Elser, a PSC regular for the last seven years but usually working behind the scenes, was hysterical as the pronouncer Douglas Panch. His fine sense of comic timing was put to good use as he struggled to keep the bee on track and his own issues in check. Jacklyn Epstein, who I last saw as a Bird Girl in ‘Seussical’ with the Trumbull HS THS Players, made her PSC debut in the role of the tightly wound Marcy Park. Jessica Rahrig made her debut with PSC in the role of Logainne; this young actress was great in the role of Sophie in the memorable ‘Mamma Mia’ with Landmark Community Theatre.

Leland Schick, a true PSC veteran, gave his all to the role of William Barfee.

Katie Robidoux, who was Texas in another spectacular Landmark’s production of ‘Cabaret,’ was simply lovely as the Olive Ostrovsky; her singing voice was perfect for her plaintive musical numbers. Cheyenne Walent made her PSC debut in the role of bee organizer Rona Lisa Peretti and Olive’s Mom. Ms. Walent was most recently seen in Landmark’s ‘Godspell,’ directed by Mr. Bassett, and by day is “living the dream of molding the minds of the little fourth grade ankle biters she loves so dearly.” I loved hearing her wonderful singing voice and watching her strong acting skills as she tried to maintain control of these (adult) students.

Mr. Steinberg did an amazing job of conducting the musicians in the pit and playing piano. Jessica Pietrosanti covered the woodwinds, Sarah Barrett played cello and Chuck Carlin was on percussion. Anna Demasi also played piano/keyboards and was the one upstaged by Marcy Park. The set design by Mr. Bassett worked nicely, with the desk revolving but not the stadium seating and lighting by Al Hathway worked nicely. It was wonderful to see another musical on this stage and placing the pit stage right worked very well.

‘Spelling Bee’ continues at the Phoenix Stage Company in the former Clockwork Repertory Theatre through June 23 and is guaranteed to keep you laughing. It is a j-o-y, which is definitely not a level one spelling word. Please note that there is one song with lyrics that may not be appropriate for very young audiences. Remember that this is an audience participation show. They will be asking for four volunteers to participate in each performance and the volunteers will sit ON STAGE with the cast. This is a great opportunity for all you aspiring actors, or for a friend you’ve always wanted to see on stage.

Nancy Sasso Janis Photo by Gary Rosengrant

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417