RSS 2.0 FeedEarly August 2010, Theatre
How do you spell S-U-C-C-E-S-S?
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" presented genuine and eerily familiar characters we have all known (or may have been ourselves). Within the context of an afternoon spelling competition, the production highlighted the pressures and concerns of our youth and presented a touchingly comic musical.
Vocabulary enthusiasts and theatergoers alike get a scrumptious treat with American Heartland Theatre's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The show was superbly fun. The performers, some playing double duty, were likeable and played with increasing complexity as the show unfolded. Directed by Steven Eubank, with musical direction by Anthony Edwards, AHT presented a quirky, sprightly, engaging musical.
The show is rated PG-13 (and with a song discussing an erection, who can blame them), but it is still a family show, broaching many themes to which children and adults can relate: loneliness, meeting expectations, religious mania, developing bodies, and making friends. Keep in mind, however, because of the improvisatory aspect of the show, more adult material may appear should inspiration strike.
The musical’s stereotypical characters – overachieving, socially inept, brilliant but awkward – were played with cringe-worthy, but endearing, realism. In addition to the cast, four audience members were called to the stage to participate in the “bee.” These participants were guided through their “lines” and choreography, which added yet another element of gaiety.
The strong cast was led by Michael Dragen playing a delightfully congested and pompous William Barfée. Lauren Braton’s deeply touching “The I Love You Song,” and Olivia Marsh’s overall performance as the hyper-politically correct, lisping, signing daughter of two gay dads were also prominent. The maniacally over-the-top “I Speak Six Languages,” featuring Jamie Lin as Marcy Park, brought down the house.
Costuming and props aided the actors in their excellent depictions. Removing a cape and adding spectacles quickly asserted that an adult had walked out and helpfully prepared the audience for the brief vignettes of memory and aside which detail the spellers’ backgrounds.
While the musical performance was excellent from the individuals, projection was an issue during ensemble or highly choreographed segments; the sound seemed to end at the foot of the stage. Early microphone issues were thankfully resolved during intermission.
The show presented genuine and eerily familiar characters we have all known (or may have been ourselves). Within the context of an afternoon spelling competition, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee highlighted the pressures and concerns of our youth and presented a touchingly comic musical.
REVIEW:
American Heartland Theatre
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Thursday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. (Reviewed)
Runs through August 22
Third floor of the Crown Center Mall
2450 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO
For tickets call 816-842-9999 or online at www.ahtkc.com
Top photo: Lauren Braton as Olive Ostrovska in AHT's Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Traditional and New Classical, Theatre Contributor
Libby Hanssen holds degrees from University of Missouri-Kansas City (M.M.) and Ball State University (B.M.) in trombone performance and also studied music education at Indiana University. She has studied trombone with Carl Lenthe, JoDee Davis, John Seidel, John Huntoon and Denis Wick, and music education with Brent Gault, Estelle Jorgensen and Katherine Strand.
While at IU, she taught classes in general music, focusing on listening skills and music fundamentals through practical music usage and exploring new sound constructions. During the course of her studies at UMKC, she performed with many ensembles, including the Conservatory Orchestra and Musica Nova. She has also performed with the Kansas City Puccini Festival, the People's Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City, the New Jazz Order, the Indiana Wind Symphony and the Muncie Symphony Orchestra.
In 2010, she was a fellow (one of 23 journalists selected from across the US) for the seventh annual National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Arts Journalism Institute in Classical Music and Opera at Columbia University’s Journalism School in New York City.
Most of her free time is spent with her three boys (son, dog and husband) and camera, exploring the many fine aspects of Kansas City living. She enjoys listening to KKFI - Kansas City Community Radio and KCUR - Kansas City's NPR station, visiting Kansas City's fine collection of museums and galleries, and scavenging in thrift and antique stores to add to her collection of toy instruments.
She writes for the joy of words and the process of constructing a story, maintaining the blog Proust Eats a Sandwich (www.prousteatsasandwich.wordpress.com). She is working on her first book: Murray Goes to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
All material contained in KCMetropolis.org is the property of or licensed for use by KCMetropolis.org. Any use, duplication, or reproduction of any or all content of this publication is prohibited except with the express written permission of KCMetropolis.org or the original copyright holders.