Algonquin's Staging School's First-Ever Student Directed Musical

Information courtesy of Doug Telepman

Proving the adage true that there is a first for everything, students from are staging the first all-student-run musical in
the school’s 53-year history.

On June 7, the curtain goes up on The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a one- act musical comedy conceived by Rebecca Feldman with music and lyrics by William Finn, a book by Rachel Sheinkin and 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, which is run by three equally-quirky grown-ups.

Produced and directed by Algonquin junior Josh Telepman, with musical direction by senior Stephen Tzianabos, choreography by senior Sarah Gittins and costumes by junior Lia Maynard, the show features a cast of nine talented students.

“This show’s got everything,” Telepman said. “First of all, it’s absolutely hilarious, but it also has its poignant and sentimental moments.” Telepman added that the show, when originally produced on Broadway, won two Tony Awards, including best book for a musical.

Telepman is no stranger to the stage, having appeared in over 30 productions as an actor, but this is his directorial debut. “I’ve been privileged to work with some great directors over the years, and have learned what a positive difference proper direction makes in how an audience perceives and experiences a production,” Telepman said. “I’m hoping I can draw upon my
experiences and deliver an enjoyable and memorable show for our audience.”

Tzianabos, as well, is making his first foray into musical direction. A talented musician and performer in his own right, Tzianabos is an experienced composer and arranger, having worked with several musical and choral groups. Leading a cast in a musical production, however, is a different experience.

“This is a whole new challenge,” Tzianabos said, “but with the talented
cast and musicians I have to work with, I know we’re going to have a great show.”

Telepman came up with the idea of staging a musical put on exclusively by students and approached Tzianabos about coming on board. Together they obtained the faculty approvals necessary to move forward—first from drama teacher Maura Morrison and Music Department Chair Amy Collins, and eventually from Principal Tom Mead. Then, after applying for, and being
granted, the licensing rights to stage the show, they began the quarter-of-a-year process of producing a first-rate musical.

“Our goal, from the beginning, has been to produce a professional show,” Telepman said. “From the audition process, through rehearsals, all the way to and through the performances, it has been vitally important to us that everyone takes this process seriously. We don’t want this to be just a great, student-run production. We want it to stand on its own as simply a great piece of musical theater. I couldn’t be more pleased with our cast, or more excited about the
results. I think we’ve built something special here, and the audience is going to love it.”

“I was surprised that this has never been done here before,” Tzianabos added. “I hope this becomes a long-standing tradition at Algonquin. I really think this can become one of the highlights of the school year for years to come.”

Dozens of students signed up for auditions, and Telepman and Tzianabos began the arduous task of casting the show. “It was tough,” Telepman said, “because most of those who auditioned were our friends. But in the end, we made our decisions based exclusively on who fit each part the best.”

Comprising the ensemble cast are Algonquin students Ty Andres, Julia Baker, Conor Donovan, Juliana Fiore, Leah Gibson, Alex LaFreniere, Ali Maynard, John Mukai and Jack Tzianabos.

“I really wanted to do this show, and am so excited to be able to play the part of Olive,” said freshman Julia Baker. “I love the directors and I know the audience is really going to enjoy the show.”

“I’ve been privileged to be a part of many productions here at Algonquin over the years,” said senior Alex LaFreniere. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to conclude my high school drama career in this show, with such a great cast and crew. I hope everybody comes to see us. ”

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is performed in Algonquin’s Small
Performance Theater on June 7, 8 and 9 at 8 pm. All tickets are general admission and are $5.

They can be reserved by sending an email to arhsspellingbee@gmail.com. Please indicate which performance you are attending, and how many tickets you need. Seating is limited, and reservations will be honored on a first-come-first-served basis. Unreserved tickets will be available at the door on the evening of each performance.