Staples Players Presents 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'

News release from Staples Players:

WESTPORT, CT — Staples Players proudly presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, directed by David Roth (SHS ’84) and Kerry Long (SHS ’97). An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "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. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser sure to delight families and adults alike. Cheerful costumes are designed by Christie Stanger, with a charming set by Jordan Janota with technical director Colin Walker and lighting design by Kevin Gleason. Performances are March 7 at 7:00 p.m., March 8 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m., and March 9 at 2:00 p.m.

“We love how this adorable musical brings together a mish mosh of characters and illuminates their flaws as well as their hopes,” says co-director David Roth. “It’s a really sweet reminder about the power of empathy and a reminder of how vulnerable many of us feel during our early teen years. Overall, it’s a sweet show that will lift the audience’s mood.. The fact that it’s so interactive and variable also makes it loads of fun to direct and to watch.”

Griffin Delmhorst (SHS ’26) plays Leaf Coneybear. He says the show has been “quite the challenge due to all of its potential variations. There are many opportunities for spellers to be eliminated, altering the course of the show. However, this also makes the show much more entertaining to be part of and to watch. How many musicals have you seen where audience members can participate and be immersed in the show?” He particularly enjoys the show for its
“light-heartedness”, which he says makes It a great pick for the entire family.

Co-director Kerry Long adds “Players is really eager to present another uplifting show for the Westport community. The original show had some adult content that we’ve modified in order to invite families and young Westporters to the audience. We take seriously our commitment to the arts and really appreciate how the town responds to our efforts at celebrating musical theater.”

Staples Players Presents 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Music & Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin, conceived by Rebecca Feldman with additional material by Jay Reiss
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited

Production Team

Directors: David Roth & Kerry Long
Choreographer: Rachel MacIsaac Myers
Music Director: Don Rickenback
Costume Designer: Christie Stanger
Set Designer Jordan Janota
Technical Director: Colin Walker
Pit Conductor: Lauren Pine
Sound Design: Daniel Bria
Lighting Desinger: Kevin Gleason

Performance Schedule
Friday and Saturday Evenings: March 7-9

Matinees: March 8 and 9 at 2 PM
7PM shows: March 7 and 8

Run time: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (including intermission)
Rated PG

Performance Location
Staples High School Auditorium
70 North Avenue
Westport, CT 06880

Tickets
Tickets are $20 and may be purchased online at Staplesplayers.com or in the lobby 30 minutes prior to performances, subject to availability.