LWHS Drama Club to Present 'Putnam County Spelling Bee'

The Drama Club will present the Tony Award-winning play "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" -- a one-act comedy heavy on improv -- March 17-19 at the school gym.

Nine Lake Washington students portray three quirky adolescents competing in a spelling bee run by three equally odd adults, who learn that winning isn’t everything and losing needn’t make you a loser.

“The thing that makes it unique and funny is the improvisation that happens each show,” says Jennifer Reif, the LW drama coach. “Four volunteers are brought up from the audience, so every performance is a little different.

“It’s cool. It’s a little bit scary.”

The performance is also a little bit racy, billed as "hilarious and hip," so it is recommended for those 13 and older.

“I have never done it as a director,” says Reif.  “For me, it’s kind of a challenge. There’s so much fuel for drama.”

Reif is a contract employee of Lake Washington and the drama club an extracurricular activity, since the Kirkland school some years ago eliminated drama from its core curriculum. At the same time, the school’s ongoing modernization includes a beautiful new theater that is not quite finished.

At any rate, money raised through the ticket price -- $8 each – goes to supporting the drama program.

The play is an ensemble act, so each player will have an opportunity to shine. “They’re so excited to do the show,” Reif says.

The performances are at 7 p.m. on March 17 and 18 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on March 19, all in the gym. Lake Washington High is at 12033 NE 80th St. on Rose Hill. You can make reservations by calling 425-936-1777.