Stage 284's 'Spelling Bee' is a Riot of Laughs

Your word is challenging. No, I’m serious, it’s the word ‘challenging’.

Stage 284 presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Ready for the annual spelling bee, contestants prepare. Spelling difficult words, this event gives contestants the time to think about what the spelling bee is worth to them.

Audiences barrelled in laughter at the hilarious showing of Spelling Bee. I cannot believe that I have never seen this show before. Now I know that if I am asked if I would like to be a participant I will gladly join. Still, Spelling Bee succeeds in teaching audiences their best championship etiquette.

The cast of Spelling Bee did an excellent job of studying their characters. Most performers channeled youthful personas with a small cast of nine adult actors. They built the best chemistry, especially for their characters' relationships with one another.

Each character had a distinguishable personality. That’s what I liked most about this show. It’s essential for younger audiences to learn that we all come from different backgrounds and to be open about anyone’s family or interests.

Everyone in the cast stood out. Steven Monroe (Leaf) was hilarious in the delivery of his spelling words. I laughed at Annie Lovelace’s (Barfee) corny expressions. And Jake Bassinger (Chip) treated audiences to a comical song.

I am impressed with the cast’s comedic timing. Comedy is tough to nail, but the cast did not let that get in the way. Audiences laughed at every joke or clever reaction. Whether it was based on line delivery, expression, or physical movements, they acted as silly as they wanted. They got to improvise a lot.

Running a spelling bee is not easy. Abby Frost and Brian Doser were great in their parts as the teachers who are trying not to lose their heads.

Be prepared as there is a lot of audience interaction. You may find yourself getting pelted with snack bags, being sung a romantic tune to under the spotlight, or (as I mentioned in the beginning) you may have the chance to be a part of the show.

Think carefully and you could be a speller in the show. Four members of the audience had a fun opportunity to be in the show, interacting with the cast, spelling words, or adding in their own little improvs. When it was time for dance numbers, the cast included them, too.

No show is ever put on its feet alone. A hand goes out to the technical crew for achieving funny noises, lighting effects, and the live orchestra.

Spelling Bee includes several fun musical numbers. A few song numbers to mention are ‘My Friend, The Dictionary’, ‘Magic Foot’, and ‘My Favorite Moment of the Bee’. All the songs were catchy and performed to the highest degree of the cast.

Katie Clarke and Cassie Foote let their cast be as silly as they wanted. After a rough couple of years, laughter is the best medicine. They also defined what competition is. The celebratory thought of winning any game takes over us that we tend to forget ourselves. In any game, remember to have fun. It’s okay to lose.

Spelling Bee is split between an adult cast and a kid cast. Stage 284’s Spelling Bee’s final show is July 24th. If I were you, I would not skip out on this show. Fair warning, Spelling Bee may not be appropriate for kid audiences including suggestive content.

Congratulations to the cast of Stage 284’s Spelling Bee on a job well done. I look forward to seeing my next production of Spelling Bee.