Colonial Chorus Players' "Spelling Bee" is H-Y-S-T-E-R-I-C-A-L!

What does that word mean?

Colonial Chorus Players (CCP) brings “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” to its stage. It’s time for the annual spelling bee. A group of eccentric kids battles for the spelling championship. As they spell difficult words, this event gives contestants the time to think about what the spelling bee is worth to them.

Can I have the definition of ‘hysterical?’ Yes, Colonial Chorus Players' “Spelling Bee” is side-splitting hilarious. I was laughing every second of this comical show. This is the second time I have seen this show, and CCP digs deep for the show's message about playing fair and being yourself in any championship.

A wonderfully S-K-I-L-L-E-D team of nine actors was cast for this production. Everything from their over-the-top personalities, to their quick comedic timing, and youthful energy, each cast member fully embraced the quirks, insecurities, and dreams that make these characters so memorable. Most importantly, they made their characters feel real.

The contestants are all in this spelling bee for a reason, either to be the best or have fun. You have overachievers like Chip (Link Bowen) and Marcy (Sophie Bauder), and other contestants, like Leaf Coneybear (Shayna Plotnik), who live in their own carefree world. Plotnik channeled a childlike and quirky personality.

For contestants Logainne (Cara Guappone) and Olive (Aiden O’Neal) they also want to be the best, but feel unseen or pressured from important people in their lives. They conveyed vulnerabilities and emotions very well.

One of the highlights of the performance is Josh Telepman as Barfee. Telepman’s deliveries were so funny. He creates a humorous dance as Barfee spells out words with his feet.

Running a spelling bee is not easy. Adele Leikauskas (Rona Lisa Peretti) and Adam Sell (Vice Principal Douglas Panch) were great as the teachers who are trying to keep everything together. Nurilys Cintron plays Mitch, the competition counselor. While appearing tough, Mitch is a more compassionate person than one thinks.

Oh yes, this is a M-U-S-I-C-A-L! Music director Jakob Michaels and a live band accompany delightful songs that reflects characters personality. Chip laments about an unfortunate (adult-related) mishap, Olive’s “The I Love You Song’, and Ms. Peretti’s heartwarming ballad about what she enjoys most about the spelling bee.

“Pandemonium” is my favorite number. So much goes on throughout this chaotic number, but it’s amazing how controlled it feels.

Jamie Cook directed and choreographed “Spelling Bee.” She immediately connected with this story having a deep appreciation for the show’s positive influence in the theater world. She blends heart and humor in her direction.

The tech crew is hard at work creating colorful light cues and playful sounds. Costumer Laura Dillon had a unique job to dress adults in children’s clothing. David Bilodeau crafted a set that resembled a school gym with a score board, basketball hoop, and an American flag. It always amazes me how CCP transforms its theater with each show.

“Spelling Bee” is a fun and comical musical. I have only seen this show once before, and CCP doesn’t overshadow the moral. Games and championships are fun, but we can’t lose sight of ourselves. Play fair and remember that losing is okay.

I only attended a dress rehearsal, and I can tell you now the laughter of a full audience will be so loud that the marvelous sound will carry out to the street.

All tickets are currently S-O-L-D O-U-T, but if you get lucky, do not hesitate to attend Colonial Chorus Players’ uproarious production of “Spelling Bee.” You may get lucky and be a speller in the show.