The best medicine …
My golf swing can be boiled down to one word. In fact, I boil it down that way about 102 times every time I play.
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I’ve had a special place in my heart for theater pretty much since I appeared in a critically acclaimed presentation of “Pecos Bill” back in the fifth grade. (OK, the critics were my parents, but, as I recall, they acclaimed a lot after the show.)
That noted, you should take me seriously when I say your life will be enhanced if you venture to Theatre Arlington for its soon-to-be-critically acclaimed presentation of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” which will run from June 3-19.
Per Theatre Arlington, this hilarious and endearing musical focuses on six quirky pre-teens (all played by adults) as they compete for a slot in the National Spelling Bee. As each speller has their moment at the mic, they candidly reveal their hopes, dreams, and touching stories about their home lives. Along the way, this misfit group learns that winning isn’t everything and that losing does not necessarily make you a loser.
Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” was conceived by Rebecca Feldman, written by Rachel Sheinkin and has music and lyrics by William Finn. Theatre Arlington’s production will use spellers from the audience, with an occasional “celebrity” or two, and will be presented in two acts.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is directed by Micah Green, who is the Fine Arts Coordinator of Theatre & Dance for Arlington ISD by day. Green is also making his Theatre Arlington directorial debut. The production also includes music direction by Mark Mullino and choreography by Leslie Jones. The production stars Sinclair Freeman as Mitch Mahoney, Donovan Marie Lawson as Olive Ostrovsky, Jude Laine Lewis as Logainne Schwartzandgrubeniere, Darin Martin as Leaf Coneybear, Steven D. Morris as Vice Principal Douglas Panch, Jayden Russell as Marcy Park, Maximilian Swenson as William Barfee, Brett Warner as Rona Lisa Peretti and Garrett Caelan Weir as Chip Tolentino.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee band, led by Mark Mullino on the keyboard, features Mark Alewine (reeds), Jay Majernik (drums) and Brian Seo (cello).
On June 3, a post-show reception for the audience sponsored by Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar will include dessert provided by Cooper Street Bakery, the official bakery of Theatre Arlington.
Show times for this play are 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. This production is appropriate for audiences ages 13 and up.
For more: theatrearlington.org
