Absolutely Delightful!

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Your word is Delightful.

May I have a definition?

Certainly. “Giving great pleasure or enjoyment; highly pleasing.”

Can you use it in a sentence?

Paramount’s new production of THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is absolutely Delightful!

In a junior high school gym, set in a fictional small town in America’s heartland, a group of 6 sharp middle school students battle for the regional Spelling Bee Championship. The event is overseen by a trio of quirky adults, including the Spelling Bee’s head moderator, Rona Lisa Perretti, a successful realtor and local celebrity for having once won the Spelling Bee several years ago, when she was a student. Because the musical has its roots in improvisational theatre, 4 eager audience members are selected to compete with the cast at every performance, thus no two shows are ever the same. The result is always hilarious, often unexpected and delightfully wise and wacky. 

One of Chicago’s most popular and talented actors, Stephen Schellhardt makes his Directorial debut with this pleasurable production at Paramount. Through his shrewd supervision and savvy staging, Mr. Schellhardt definitely displays a talent for keeping all the balls in the air at the same time. He’s joined by multiple Jeff Award-winner Kory Danielson, who skillfully Musically Directs the show, with Cameron Tragesser Conducting a talented 5-member backstage orchestra. And talented actress, dancer and Choreographer Morgan DiFonzo creates some lively and playful dance moves that add to the all-around fun. With this creative team’s attention to detail, the musical seems to be in continual motion. All of this, combined with an expert cast, many of whom are newcomers to the Paramount Theatre, contributes to an enchanting and entertaining evening of theatre.

Once called “A CHORUS LINE with pimples,” William Finn’s offbeat 2005 hit centers around an unlikely subject for a Broadway musical. But this show also digs deeply into the childhood psyche while portraying an array of authentic adolescent frustrations. In a departure from Finn’s usual sung through musicals (FALSETTOS, A NEW BRAIN), the composer’s good-natured songs are irresistibly catchy, clever, funny and often touching. They almost explode out of Rachel Sheinkin’s comical, Tony Award-winning libretto. The story is adapted from an improvisational play by Rebecca Feldman and features some additional material by Jay Reiss.

Each character is marvelous, memorable and uniquely individual. These six kids continually reveal all kinds of surprises and personal revelations throughout the show. Teachers and parents will recognize the adolescent personalities that each actor brings to the piece. Ben Broughton is both heartbreaking and hilarious in his portrayal of Leaf Coneybear. Ben’s characterization rings true as a likable, optimistic youngster who enjoys life, but for whom success has been a long-awaited friend. Ann Delaney’s heartfelt portrayal of Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere, the young lady blessed with two overly-obsessive daddies, is demonically driven and full of spunk. A recent Jeff Award-winner for her role in Paramount’s FUN HOME, Elizabeth Stenholt is sweet, humble and especially touching as Olive Ostrovsky, the little girl who’s often left on her own. Teddy Gales (recently enjoyed as the shyly reclusive James Wilson in Marriott Theatre’s 1776,) brings his crackerjack comic timing to this hilarious and pompous competitor, William Barfee (pronounced, as he constantly reminds the adults, Bar-FAY). He strangely spells each of his words while writing it with his “Magic Foot.” Boyishly handsome Nic Dantes makes his dynamic and droll debut at Paramount playing Chip Tolentino, the spelling champ from the previous year. The poor kid not only has to deal with spelling difficult words but must cope with the pangs of puberty. And multitalented Shelbi Voss (the boldly adventurous Molly from Paramount’s recent PETER AND THE STARCATCHER) is plucky and passionate playing multitalented character, Marcy Park, a gifted and precocious  student whose parents demand constant perfection.    

Veronica Garza will be remembered for her many fine performances all over Chicago. They include her priceless portrayal of Principal Rosalie Mullins in Paramount’s SCHOOL OF ROCK, as well as her hilarious and heartbreaking grownup Cindy Lou Who in her one-woman Christmas show, WHO’S HOLIDAY! The powerhouse performer leads the cast as Rona Lisa Perretti, a former Spelling Bee champion and the moderator of today’s contest. Ms. Garza masters a phony and patronizing tone of voice, paired with a painted-on smile, while still depicting a warm woman filled with honest empathy for the young competitors. Veronica Garza’s lovely, professionally trained vocals cradle so much of the score, whether as a solo or in support of the ensemble.

One of Chicago’s favorite comic actors, Jason Richards inhabits the role of Assistant Principal, Douglas Panch. His totally committed  portrayal of a school official may be the funniest I’ve ever seen this role played. Mr. Richards will be remembered at Paramount for appearances in FROZEN and THE PRODUCERS, at Mercury Theater in AVENUE Q and PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, and as Georges in MTW’s production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. And another talented actor making his star-making Paramount debut is triple-threat Naphtali Curry. He’s terrific as Mitch Mahoney, a young man performing his community service by working at the Spelling Bee. This strong singer with great charisma and excellent comic chops recently completed a National Tour of SHREK, THE MUSICAL, as Donkey. He was also seen in Black Ensemble Theater’s recent production of THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF MOTOWN.

Dynamically staged in a middle school gymnasium, Designed by Lauren M. Nichols, Director Stephen Schellhardt has used every inch of the Copley Theatre to tell this story. His production is a bold and brassy presentation that totally draws the audience into the story and makes everyone feel all the feels that these Spelling Bee competitors are experiencing. Through song and dance, comedy and pathos, theatergoers will find themselves immersed in both the competition and the lives of six terrific, unforgettable kids. This production is guaranteed to give audiences of all ages great pleasure and enjoyment. Don’t miss this show. Paramount Theatre’s new, intimate production of THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is absolutely Delightful in every possible way!  

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 12-April 27 by Paramount Theatre at the Copley Theatre, 8 East Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 630-896-6666, or by going to www.paramountaurora.com.

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