“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” has come to New Rockford. It is a distinguished production from all the talent and crew involved. The cast all deliver vibrant and energetic performances to this production of the hit Broadway musical that will have you humming along (and maybe spelling) some of the lyrics during the show.
The audience follows six young spelling bee entrants. Each with different personalities and methods for acing the tough (and sometimes elementary) words they are given to spell. There is also the curmudgeon Vice Principal Panch who seemingly has it out for every entrant. If a contestant does spell a word wrong, they will be removed by Mitch Mahoney, The Official Comfort Counselor who also provides a parting gift. Who will win the spelling bee? Will the contestants crack under immense pressure?
A great show gets you to care about the characters and this show has quite a few to keep track of. All the cast members inject unique traits and mannerisms to make each memorable. Devils Lake’s Simon Schlenker brings a boy next door quality to Chip until an embarrassing moment arises. Jakob Innes makes his character of Leafy Coneybear a loud, boisterous fellow who will have you laughing at his antics. Make sure to save more laughs for Vice Principal Panch and his sarcastic, dry statements as well.
Songs and transitions are done seamlessly and the stage is used to great effect. The crew put a lot of thought and creativity in the set to give it life. Parts that are flashbacks are made clear and don’t interrupt the flow as well.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” can be seen at the Old Church Theater in New Rockford and runs through August 4. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
