And there’s no spell-check to help out. . . .
When the bell tolls at stage left, it tolls for thee, the speller who mis-spelled, and sends a miserable soul to Hell, or at least off the stage and out of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," a charming evening of song, wit and wisdom by New Line Theatre at the Washington University South Campus Theatre (once CBC) on Clayton Road.
The delightful production, to run through Aug. 8, is more effective on the smaller stage, with its more intimate atmosphere, than it was when a touring company played the Fox a few years ago. Scott Miller’s direction is crisp and on the mark, the acting is generally good, sometimes splendid, William Finn’s score is a perfect complement to Rachel Sheinkin’s book, which has more than its share of terrific lines.
As a New York Times critic wrote, when "Spelling Bee" opened in 2005 (to run three years), "It’s like ‘A Chorus Line’ with pimples."
It follows a similar pattern in that each character gets his (or her) moment in the spotlight, tells a life story, performs while spelling and sits down to wait for the next round.
So we have the arrogant kid, the lonely kid, the super-confident kid, the non-confident kid and so on. Acting as those who run the competition, or audition, are Deborah Sharn and Brian Claussen. She, as Rona Lisa Peretti, one of Sheinkin’s many puns and word plays, is a real estate agent who portrays the m.c., he’s a school assistant principal (that’s another little plot line) who desperately wants to be a principal but is reduced to giving out the words.
All three of the male contestants are outstanding. Nicholas Kelly is William Barfee, continually correcting those who call him "Bar-Fee" by insisting on "Bar-Fay." He’s sloppy, and arrogant, and banks on his "magic foot." Aaron Allen is Leaf Coneybear, eager to recognize his siblings, with given names that sound like something from a commune or the Phoenix family of actors. Mike Dowdy is Chip Tolentino, whose Act II opener is the highlight song, "My Unfortunate Erection," which will turn every man in the audience back to his adolescence with a jolt and a quiver and an immediate recognition of the circumstances. Dowdy makes the song a show-stopper as he aims it at Marigold Coneybear, sister to Leaf.
The women are not as effective, and I think that’s largely because Sheinkin doesn’t provide enough character deviation. Alexis Kinney, a veteran of many Stages productions and the title character in "Alice in Wonderland" next month, is a delight as Marcy Park, who speaks six languages and who reminds me of the overtrained, undersized, tightly wound Olympic gymnasts. Katie Nestor is Olive Ostrovsky, who can’t afford the entry fee and is anxiously awaiting the arrival of her father from work while her mother is taking nine months off to visit an Indian ashram. Nestor gives her all, especially in the song, "My Friend the Dictionary," but there’s not enough material. Same for Emily Berry as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, daughter of two gay men who chides President Barack Obama for his lack of effort on a repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act but doesn’t discuss her family, and tends to overact.
John Rhine is very strong, with an excellent singing voice, as Mitch Mahoney, helping out at the competition as part of his rehab work while he’s on parole.
"Spelling Bee" is a great deal of fun, with Finn’s music and lyrics a perfect match for Sheinkin’s book. Todd Schaefer’s simple set is just right and Amy Kelly’s costume designs are right out of the original Broadway production. Chris Petersen led the excellent quintet from his keyboard; the group also included Ethan Edwards on cello, Joel Hackbarth on second keyboard, Clancy Newell on percussion and Robert Vinson on reeds.
Fun for all, a splendid family show.
At the Washington U. South Campus Theatre, through Aug. 8
-Joe