I recently had the pleasure of attending a preview showing of
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a Tony award-winning
musical about six kids struggling to win the regional spelling
championship. But if you think this sounds like a repeat
performance of Spellbound, think again.
Admittedly, the story seems fairly similar at first glance:
spellers try their hardest to avoid misspelled words so they can
claim the highly-coveted spelling trophy. Yeah, I know, it sounds
like something from Geek Wars: Revenge of the Nerds. But as the
spellers themselves will tell you,
”
people think we’re automatons, but that is exactly what we’re
not.
”
Watching what’s really going on inside these quirky kids’ heads
is what makes the show so much fun.
I recently had the pleasure of attending a preview showing of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a Tony award-winning musical about six kids struggling to win the regional spelling championship. But if you think this sounds like a repeat performance of Spellbound, think again.
Admittedly, the story seems fairly similar at first glance: spellers try their hardest to avoid misspelled words so they can claim the highly-coveted spelling trophy. Yeah, I know, it sounds like something from Geek Wars: Revenge of the Nerds. But as the spellers themselves will tell you, “people think we’re automatons, but that is exactly what we’re not.” Watching what’s really going on inside these quirky kids’ heads is what makes the show so much fun.
Putnam features a loveably dysfunctional (and tremendously talented) cast of three slightly-unbalanced adults and six “children” (short adults). Among this awkward bunch is Olive Ostrovsky, who reads the dictionary in her spare time, William Barfee, whose last name is somewhat unfortunate, and Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, daughter of Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Grubenierre and president of the Gay-Straight Alliance at her elementary school.
Also featured in the lighthearted musical are four randomly-selected audience members, who join in the spelling spree and are seen dancing across the stage with the cast members for the first half of the show.
It should be noted, however, that the show (like its characters) is not quite as innocent as it first appears. Putnam has its roots in improvisational theater; thus, political correctness is not always at the top of the agenda. And Chip Tolentino, last year’s winner, also finds himself facing puberty in a variety of publicly humiliating ways.
Still, while the show can’t quite be billed as “wholesome fun for the whole family,” it comes highly recommended to a thirteen-and-up audience by Broadway critics and casual theatergoers alike. It’s smart, funny, and entertaining to the last. And in the “heart and soul” department, it simply can’t be beat.
Putnam is playing at the Post Street Theatre in San Francisco until the end of April (although there is talk of extending the run). Check www.ticketmaster.com for availability, or call the box office at 415-771-6900.
