Friday, March 31, 2017

review - THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE - Brelby Theatre Company

the cast
photo by Fernando Perez
highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through April 1st.

"...The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee ... a quirky, witty musical that oozes charm. It also offers many introspective moments concerning the difficulties of being an outsider or having parents who don't quite understand you. Brelby Theatre Company's production features a fun cast who capably deliver refined performances full of both humor and poignancy. The show takes place at the fictional Putnam County Spelling Bee where a group of adolescents are competing for the top prize and the bragging rights that go with it. ...While not every member of the Brelby cast is an accomplished singer, which makes a few moments in a couple of songs a little rough, the group all work well together. Director Shelby Maticic has added numerous fun touches throughout, as well as some hilarious dance steps. She also ensures that each actor creates a unique yet identifiable character and that the entire group forms a realistic, cohesive unit. The six adolescents are played by a group of actors ranging in age from mid-teens to late 20s who skillfully portray individuals much younger. With downtrodden eyes and a quiet demeanor, Stephanie Spencer is perfect as the shy and reserved Olive Ostrovsky...Karson Cook is hilarious as the awkward but sure of himself William Barfee..and Alex Tuchi is a bundle of energy as the hyperactive Leaf Coneybear...Thea Eigo is sassy and all business as Marcy Park...Aubrea Robards is a gem as the spunky Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre, ..and Ricco Machado does well as Chip Tolentino...As the adult characters, Monica Hernandez Bollt injects a huge amount of pride into Rona Lisa Peretti...Devon Mahon humorously plays Vice Principal Douglas Panch..As Mitch Mahoney, the man responsible for making sure that losing contestants are given counseling and a juice box, Kevin Fenderson is a charmer. ...With a talented cast and solid direction that display humor plus a huge amount of sincerity, Brelby's production of the very funny but also very moving The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is charming. " -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

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