REVIEW: Spelling Bee is D-E-L-I-G-H-T-F-U-L

Winner of the 2005 Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences with its effortless wit and humour (and long winded title). Featuring a fast-paced and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a uniquely fresh score by William Finn, there are several challenging numbers amidst the seemingly simple and relatable narrative. 

This production falls under what Curtain Call Performing Arts (CCPAC) calls their Passion Project Series. It is described as a way to showcase trained vocalists and actors in post secondary arts facilities or those who have experience performing in various shows around the GTA. The intent of the Passion Project is to give professionally trained performers in Hamilton and surrounding areas an opportunity to work in an environment that “encourages experimenting and working together in a devised based process.” If passion is what is needed for this production, then this one has it in spades, allowing this particular bee to soar.

Plot wise, Spelling Bee is straightforward. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents compete for the spelling championship. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the contestants spell their way through a series of words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box? 

Most of the show is played for laughs, including unexpected and hilarious audience participation as they compete against the skilled spellers on stage. This aspect of the show demonstrates the improv skills needed to keep the flow of the show going and the moderator/vice principal roles (Emma Bergin and Keegan Buchanan respectively) are especially brilliant here giving ridiculous “can you use it in a sentence” prompts which results in loud, appreciative laughter from the audience and selected audience members on stage. 

The direction of the show is exceptional from its staging to the technical choices throughout. In less experienced hands, this show could easily dissolve into chaos but co-directors Kat Baronowski and Zachary Viola prove they have strong creative visions and fresh new ways of involving their cast members in every facet of a scene (involving many of them behind the scenes as well). No one is underutilized here and every aspect is carefully thought out, including making the ensemble portray believable youths which is no small feat. I cannot imagine how much rehearsal some of these numbers must have taken to make them as precise and professional as they appear on stage.

One standout in particular occurs in the second act’s progression of the spelling bee rounds. The back and forth between the vice-principal and character William Barfee (it’s Bar-fay, not Bar-fee, played with nerdy arrogant gusto by Gareth Finnigan) slows to a hypnotic pace and is one of the best numbers in the show to watch. The technical ability here also deserves praise as the lighting is masterfully executed by Hunter Kennedy-Rullo. 

Every character in Spelling Bee gets at least one moment to shine and to list them all would give away too much of the story. Part of what makes Spelling Bee funny but also heartfelt are these character deep dives through song, revealing who our overachievers really are and their internal struggles with absent family members, the pressures to win and how to prove themselves beyond the confines of the school’s gymnasium. Each elimination is a way for the characters to reflect, accept or vehemently deny their fate. The Unfortunate Erection moment is a fantastic example of this and demonstrates some great sight gags (skillfully performed by Jacob Rushton) throughout. I can say confidently that there are no weak links in this cast and all deserve high praise for their efforts in this production. 

A passionate and successful project to be sure, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a d-e-l-i-g-h-t-f-u-l way to spend your time this July. You might even learn a thing or two! Don’t miss it. 

Photos by: Zachary Viola (main poster) and Kreations Photography