How Do You Spell W-i-n-n-e-r?

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Bravo to Music Theater Works and, especially, to Guest Director Christopher Pazdernik, for the talent and artistry of the Skokie company’s latest production. Chris, his talented cast and all the many gifted theatrical creatives connected with this heartwarming and hilarious musical, bring a fresh, exciting vision and energy to this show. Each member of the cast is filled with brilliance, ingenuity and creates a truthful, realistic character. The risky element inherent in this musical is having to add four unknown, unrehearsed amateurs from your audience to the cast at every performance. It works very well here. I suspect that’s due to the excellent direction and preparation provided by the company, the production and stage manager, as well as by Pazdernik’s dynamic cast of actors. Everyone has anticipated any possible situation that might occur, and the show rolls along smoothly.

Inspired by an improvised play created by a New York-based comedy troupe, the musical one-act was conceived by Rebecca Feldman, with a book by Rachel Sheinkin, additional material contributed by Jay Reiss and music and lyrics by William Finn (FALSETTOS, A NEW BRAIN). Eventually the show opened Off-Broadway in early 2005 to critical and box office success; it later reopened that Spring at Broadway’s Circle in the Square Theatre. The musical went on to win two of the six Tony Awards for which it was nominated. This production also launched the careers of theatre actor Celia Keenan Bolger and TV’s “Modern Family” star, Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Although the lyrics are fun and clever the songs aren’t particularly memorable; however, in the moment, they provoke laughter or a tear. And it’s Ms. Sheinkin’s Tony Award-winning script that truly makes this show weird, witty and absolutely wonderful.

In a world filled with headlines of terrorists, global atrocities and gun violence, it’s always refreshing to read or hear about something sweet and kind, like the winners of local science fairs, geography competitions and spelling bees. Set in a small, fictional Midwestern middle school gymnasium, the  event, which offers a $200 prize toward the winner’s college tuition, features six expert spellers all vying for first place. To say that the contestants are a bit eccentric is an understatement, but then so are the three adults in charge of the event. And making this show even more fun is the inclusion of four additional contestants, selected each night from a voluntary audience lottery held prior to each performance.

First of all, the actors playing the adults are terrific. A star of Chicagoland musical theatre, Neala Barron has mastered Rona Lisa Peretti and plays the role to a T. Portraying an adult who was a former spelling bee winner and truly understands what each contestant is experiencing, because she’s been there, Ms. Barron’s empathy is striking. The actress demonstrates all the professional calm and reserve found in every real-life schoolteacher. Musically, Ms. Barron exhibits a lovely, powerful voice that both stands out and blends well with her fellow cast mates.

Michael Davis Arnold as Mitch Mahoney, the ex-con performing his community service at the Bee, is genial and good-humored as the Comfort Counselor, administering a juice box and a hug to each losing contestant. He and Ms. Barron sound especially gorgeous when doubling as Olive’s parents in the dream-scene, the “I Love You Song.” Zach Kunde, is pure comic genius as Vice Principal Douglas Panch. The actor is a natural comedian and, one supposes, an improv artist. His handling of definitions and example sentences for the contestants, not to mention his masked infatuation with Rona Lisa, make him stand out in this production.

The six young spelling bee finalists are each exceptional. Will Koski makes his debut at Music Theater Works as William Barfee. Koski beautifully played Jack in Paramount’s INTO THE WOODS, as well as an eerie John Hinckley, Jr. in Theo Ubique’s ASSASSINS. The amiable actor makes the most of his splendidly trained voice, his ease with movement (that “Magic Foot” that helps him spell each word is uniquely funny) and his spot-on droll, deadpan line delivery. As played by Rachel Guth, another welcome MTW newcomer, Olive Ostrovski is perhaps the most touching, heartbreakingly realistic character in the show. Audiences will not only marvel at her glorious voice (“My Friend, the Dictionary”) but they’ll find her portrayal of Olive appealing and truthful. Together with Mr. Koski, Ms. Guth provides much of the heart of this production.

Another welcome Music Theater Works newbie is Joe Lewis as the sweetly nerdy Leaf Coneybear. With his self-professed handmade wardrobe, complete with crocheted cape and knee patches, Lewis’ character is a joyous, innocent little guy who’s thrilled just to be a part of the Spelling Bee team. Leaf is there by chance because, as the third alternate (“I’m Not That Smart”), he was the only child available the day of the contest. Lewis projects sweetness and charm, and the actor has obviously studied how real kids behave because he comes off as an authentic middle school child. Jamie Dillon Grossman, in another first-time appearance at MTW, makes Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere, the little girl with two dads and an endearing speech  impediment, a strong contestant with a whole lot of drive and personality. Her number “Woe is Me,” sung by Ms. Grossman, Joe Lewis and Michael Davis Arnold (doubling as her gay fathers) is both sweet and humorously sad.

Mai Hartwich plays overachiever Marcy Parks (“I Speak Six Languages”) with the starch and strict discipline that the child’s parents have obviously drummed into her since birth. Last seen at Music Theater Works as Christmas Eve in their stellar production of AVENUE Q, Ms. Hartwich has been featured in productions on many Chicago stages. Sadly the little girl only dreams of being true to herself and not having to live up to the expectations of her mom and dad. Ms. Hartwich’s portrait of a kid driven to be everything her folks expect is sad, yet authentic. And finally, Brandon Acosta’s portrayal of Chip Tolentino is a comic delight. As the young man who is not only given the most difficult words to spell but experiences the pangs of puberty in the middle of the spelling bee, Acosta is very funny. The actor’s humiliation at being the first speller drummed off the stage is only topped by his return hawking refreshments up and down the aisles. But you might recall seeing this versatile MTW newcomer before at Paramount, Drury Lane or Theo Ubique, and hopefully we’ll be seeing much more of him here in the future.

With all the trauma and drama in today’s world this sparkling production, which feels new, up-to-date, is so very welcome. The show is a breath of fresh air. Nothing weighty happens in this musical, except the reminder that even nerdy little kids deserve their share of love, respect and their chance to shine. That may not be a new idea, but the way things get buried in today’s busy lives, it’s an important thought to take home.

 Christopher Pazdernik’s super sassy production features nine gifted, earnest and mainly new actors to the MTW stage. They’re ably supported by Musical Director Michael McBride and his five talented backstage musicians, along with contributions by Assistant Director and Choreographer Keely Vasquez. Visual expertise comes from Scenic Designer Ben Lipinski, Lighting Designer Levi J. Wilkins, Costume Designer Kristen Brinati, and a backstage technical staff all brimming with talent. This production is sincere and sure. A trip to Music Theater Works’ production of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE will reward audiences with not just an entertaining competition rewarding one young champion, but a entire production of top-notch winners.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 8-31 by Music Theater Works at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available at the theater box office, by calling 847-673-6300 or by going to www.MusicTheaterWorks.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.