I can think of about a thousand words to describe my extensive involvement with grade school spelling bees, and I can assure you that “funny,” “charming” and — as The New York Times put it — “effortlessly endearing” in no way make that list. I think I’m safe in assuming that most people are of the same mind, but then again, most people never participated in the bee at Putnam County.
In the second slot of the Arkansas Repertory Theatre’s 40th mainstage season is “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” the play that took Broadway by storm with a simple notion to let the audience relive its most awkward years.
From the moment the middle school spellers file in, you can immediately spot each caricature and know exactly what they represent. Bow tie and a sweater vest? Must be the golden boy. A high, ruffled collar? She’s definitely the overachiever. A cape? This should be good. But while you’re wondering if the writers took their inspiration straight from your yearbook, what you don’t know is the ridiculous ride The Rep and director Nicole Capri are about to take you on.
Anchoring the chaos are bee moderators Rona Lisa Peretti (played by Andi Watson) and Vice Principal Douglas Panch (played by Scott McLean Harrison). An unlikely duo of a bubbly past champion and a stiff wannabe principal, Watson and Harrison are charged with carrying the show along and offering up a large portion of the show’s absurdity. The deadpan humor these two deliver with smiles and scowls while reading off colorful word definitions had audience members howling and literally slapping their knees.
Then come the spellers. Tommy Martinez plays returning champ Chip Tolentino, the confident do-gooder, Boy Scout and yes, golden boy. His prospects seem fruitful until a fateful brush with the dark and unfortunate side of puberty, which Martinez portrays with all the hilarious and cringeworthy panic that you remember all too well.
You may also remember the brainiac kid in your class who was forever muttering some saucy remark under their breath, usually commenting on the woes of being surrounded by simpletons. That role is fulfilled in William Barfee (the pronunciation of which is a touchy subject), played by Patrick Halley. However hard you rolled your eyes at your classroom equivalent is exactly how hard you’ll laugh at Barfee. Each under-the-breath remark, self-assured sneer and flourish of his “magic foot” is endlessly brassy and comedic excellence.
Classic overachiever Marcy Park, played by Laura Dadap, is perhaps the strongest contender, until a come to Jesus meeting leaves her questioning the benefit of knowing six languages — a plight rather familiar in the onset of the semi-rebellious tween years, and a revelation that unfolds remarkably in Dadap’s building excitement and loosening expectations.
The very anti-rebellious Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre is a buzzing ball of energy with her eye on the prize and her heart set on making proud her two overbearing dads. In the hands of Tessa Faye, Logianne is a politically charged, well-meaning and loveable know-it-all. Never has a robust lisp been so charming.
Ethan Paulini is no stranger to The Rep stage, though his portrayal of the homeschooled Leaf Coneybear may be the first to land him in a red cape and a bike helmet. A case of ADD and a heaping dose of sweet silliness make Coneybear the most delightful character on stage, while Paulini’s commitment to physical comedy make him one of the funniest.
Next up is Olive Ostrovsky, played by Conly Basham. Kind-hearted and best friend to a dictionary, Olive is here for the love of the game and finds a few new friends on the way. And while the show weaves in many a heartwarming moment, if you don’t have something in your eye by the end of Basham’s “The I Love You Song,” you might want to check your pulse.
These are the aspects of “Spelling Bee” that are the same every night. However, you will undoubtedly see a different production than I did. The show is riddled with improv, mostly relating to the last three contestants, all of whom are audience members. They really do spell words behind a microphone in front of their friends, and they really are, in playful fashion, eliminated one by one.
But don’t worry, they’re sent back to their seats with a juice box and a hug from Official Comfort Counselor Mitch Mahoney played by Correy West, who bounces between the roles of Mahoney, Olive’s dad and one of Logainne’s dads, boasting a bring-the-house-down singing voice across all three.
There are certain unspoken precedents that come with the idea of a song and dance show. The Rep’s “Spelling Bee” steamrolls straight through any preconceived rules of musical theater by stripping the glitz and shooting it full of fantastic tomfoolery and urgent affection. Plain and simple: It’s a gut-busting good time.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is intended for adult audiences and runs through Nov. 8. For showtimes and more information about the play, or to purchase tickets online, visit The Rep’s website. You can also call (501) 378-0405 or stop by the theater’s box office downtown at 601 Main St., Little Rock.