Excerpt from the Dayton Daily News
William Finn, Rachel Sheinkin and Rebecca Feldman’s delightful 2005 musical comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” closes Wright State University’s 2023-2024 theater season March 15-31 in the Festival Playhouse of the Creative Arts Center.
This witty, satirical, naughty and tender tale about six awkward spelling champions received the Tony Award for Sheinkin’s smart libretto, formulated from Feldman’s improvisational play “C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E” originally performed by the New York-based improvisational troupe The Farm.
Each character has a very unique personality or eccentricity but finds common ground in a mutual fondness for words which gives them immense pride and purpose. Finn (Tony-winning composer of “Falsettos”) brings their frustrations and hopes to the forefront with terrific character-specific songs such as “My Friend, the Dictionary,” “Pandemonium,” “I’m Not That Smart,” “Magic Foot,” “Woe is Me,” “The I Love You Song,” and the bouncy title tune.
“‘Spelling Bee’ is a perfect combination of humor wit and heart,” said director/choreographer Joe Deer, WSU distinguished professor in musical theatre and former artistic director of WSU Theatre, in a news release. “Every one of us can see some part of our own experience, our vulnerabilities and ambitions at that age, and laugh at them because they are us. I think it’s a very rare piece of theater that can do all of that with so much skill.”
In addition, the production has been double-cast, allowing more opportunities for students to develop and evolve.
“We’ve done something amazing in creating two full casts for this show,” Deer said. “Of course, it gives a lot of students an opportunity to play great roles, but it also puts on display the incredible individuality and versatility of our hugely talented students. Our most devoted audience members may choose to come and see both casts.”
