Cast evokes emotion with '25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'

Apr. 20—When people fill Dalton State College's Goodroe Auditorium for the college's production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" Saturday, April 20, and next weekend, student cast member Levi Witt promises they'll experience a range of emotions.

"(It's) funny, funny, funny," said Witt. "And heartbreaking. You will not be disappointed."

Presented by Dalton State's Department of Communication and Theatre, the musical comedy showcases the fictional Putnam Valley Middle School's student spelling bee and follows the antics of six mid-pubescent classmates as they vie to become spelling bee champion in outrageous fashion.

Witt portrays William Barfée, known for his "magic foot" pre-spelling ritual dance and as just one of the many eccentric contestants featured.

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is based off the titular book from Rachel Sheinkin and conceived by Rebecca Feldman, with music and lyrics by William Finn and additional material by Jay Reiss. The show was originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine.

Directing Dalton State's production is Kim Correll, an assistant professor in theatre and communication at the college, while Laurie Raper serves as the assistant director and costume designer.

Along with Witt, the show stars Alex Ogles, Zach Williams, Kristen West, Laurie Shaw, Haylee Meyer, Navah Jordan and Jake Baker, with Craig Raper serving as set designer, Nick Loboda as stage manager and musical director, and Will Valenzuela as lighting director.

In what she deemed as a "rare occurrence," Correll will also have a featured role in the musical in addition to her duties as director.

"I don't do that very often," Correll said. "But I play the character of Rona Lisa Peretti, the moderator of the spelling bee, in this one."

Correll said she has "greatly enjoyed" working alongside some "amazing" students as both director and castmate.

"It has been an honor being on stage with such dedicated and talented students," she said. "They began work back in August, and their hard work has truly paid off in this beautiful show."

Shaw, who portrays Olive, said the show "is hilarious and unexpectedly poignant with moments we can all relate to."

Jordan, who portrays the paradoxically intimidating comfort counselor Mitch Mahoney, said the production gives the student actors an opportunity to be young again.

"'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' reminds us all about the awkwardness, absurdity and joys of being an adolescent," Jordan said.

Williams, who portrays reigning spelling bee champion Chip Tolentino, said the experience has been an "amazing way to relax and have some fun" and "one of the funniest and most entertaining shows I've been involved with."

West, a Dalton State theater veteran, portrays Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, the spelling bee's youngest and a highly outspoken contestant.

"I have enjoyed so much working with this cast and crew," West said. "We have really become a family."

West said the show is both "hilarious and relatable" and "navigates through the ups and downs of going from adolescence to adulthood (through) six children as they compete in a county spelling bee."

Craig Raper said the cast members have "bonded well" during the past eight months.

"The show is truly great; it has many of our old favorite actors and up and coming 'new to us' actors," he said. "I wish we had many more shows ahead with this exact team."

The cast members have already concluded their first set of performances with shows on Thursday and Friday. "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" will have its last shows on Saturday, April 20, as well as Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, all beginning at 7:30 p.m. inside the Goodroe Auditorium at 650 College Drive.

Correll noted the show contains some "language and adult innuendo," and may not be suitable for younger children.

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the door or online by visiting https://dalton-state-college.square.site/s/shop.