Tara Fredenburg
Cast B pose in character for closing night.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” concluded April 8 and drew a standing ovation.
Two troupes, Cast A and Cast B, performed the musical on alternating nights. Ella Atkinson (11) saw the Cast A production on April 1.
“The show is set up in a way that allows for the actors to enhance its puns and quirks through audience interactions,” Atkinson said. “The characters were all very endearing, and I ended up rooting for each of them.”
Atkinson’s favorite character was Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre, played by Bayley Whitehouse (12), because she was a “completely honest portrayal of an optimistic, over-achieving, academically-pressured and hilarious child with a lisp.”
Jasmine Simmers (11) saw the April 7 Cast B show. Her favorite song was “I Speak Six Languages” because she was “watching the seriousness turn into hilarity.” Her favorite character was Leaf Coneybear, played by Jeremy Thordarson (12).
“[Leaf Coneybear] was so amazing and adorable!” Simmers said.
She was unable to choose a favorite moment from “Putnam.”
“Honestly, I just loved all of it!” Simmers said.