Whitney Pintello directs Pintello Comedy Theatre’s version of six-time Tony nominated “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” with loving care and gets the most from each dysfunctional character.
If you have never been to a spelling bee, this show will not give you a clear picture of what it is all about. What it will do is give you a musical evening of bright, clever fun and broad insight into spelling bees.
We find ourselves in a high school gym where six finalists and a few audience volunteers compete for a county spelling championship. As the group is dispatched with misspelled words, the candidates each give us an insight of who they are and what makes them tick. This also includes the three questionably adult supervisors, a guidance counselor and former spelling champ, a school vice principal “with a past,” and a security hulk who is doing his community service sentence and acts as a juice pack dispenser and comfort counselor as the contestants err and leave the contest.
Six nerdy local champs vie for a slot in the 25th national spelling bee. There is a winner-take-all satirical and, at times, sad attitude in the Putnam County’s final six. They finally show that there are really no losers and the need for love and understanding is more important than winning.
The casting of these inspired loonies is as good as it gets, and each actor gives a solid performance and adds adequate voices to the clever lyrics. The idiosyncrasies and bits and pieces of the characters’ lives are a delicate kaleidoscope and must be seen to appreciate. Their timing and chemistry are hilarious.
William Finn’s music and lyrics are quirky and original. Rachel Sheikin won a Tony in 2005 for her book reworked from the original non-musical production by Rebecca Feldanman.
“Spelling Bee” might not be for everyone. But if you have a penchant for edgy, inspired comedy, this could be an evening well spent.
This is the 50th show for Pintello’s Comedy Theatre, and they are still going strong.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
Pintello Comedy Theatre
Gilroy Grange Hall
8191 Swanston Lane, Gilroy
Through Sept. 19
Tickets: $20
For reservations and information call (408) 337-1599 or go to pintellocomedy.com.
