Granville High School presents 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' May 3-4

Special to Granville Sentinel
·2 min read
Granville High School junior Sophie Shinka, centers, sings during a April 27 rehearsal of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Granville High School’s Theater Department is performing the show on May 3-4 at 7 p.m.
Granville High School junior Sophie Shinka, centers, sings during a April 27 rehearsal of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Granville High School’s Theater Department is performing the show on May 3-4 at 7 p.m.

Granville High School’s Theater Department presents "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" on May 3 and May 4 at 7 pm.

The comedic musical follows an eclectic group of spellers in the race for first place and a ticket to nationals. There is outrage over easy words, and ridiculous example sentences for each of the words. Spellers have to work through the pressures placed upon them by their families. They work through the challenges of adolescence with silly, light-hearted songs. There are candid and touching songs that enhance this exciting musical about what seems to be a boring event: a spelling bee.

Granville High School freshman Andrew Busack sings during a April 27 rehearsal of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Granville High School’s Theater Department is performing the show on May 3-4 at 7 p.m.
Granville High School freshman Andrew Busack sings during a April 27 rehearsal of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Granville High School’s Theater Department is performing the show on May 3-4 at 7 p.m.

The show is rated PG due to adult themes. Tickets are general admission tickets and $10 each. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/83849.

GHS’s production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is directed by Sara Wiper Rodocker and Stefanie Stanton, with Tim Stanton as technical director, Kristen Snyder as the musical director and Bruce Piper as the orchestra director. Kate Miller is the production stage manager, with assistant stage managers Emily Jesse and Sarah Soliman. Anabelle Burt is serving as the student assistant technical director. Abby Bergstrom and Yariah Jones are the student directors. The spelling bee is led by Rona Lisa Peretti played by Scarlett Woltz and Vice Principal Panch played by Owen Costa. The key spellers are Chip Tolentino, played by Andrew Busack; Logainne Schwartzandgrubeniere (Schwartzy), played by Sophia Shinka; Leaf Coneybear, played by Zack Binckley; William Barfee, played by Max Holtsberry; Marcy Park, played by Lani Casto; and Olive Ostrovsky, played by Chloe Thatcher.

Granville High School sophomore Max Holtsberry, left, and junior Chloe Thatcher, right, rehearse a scene from "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" on April 27. Granville High School’s Theater Department is performing the show on May 3-4 at 7 p.m.
Granville High School sophomore Max Holtsberry, left, and junior Chloe Thatcher, right, rehearse a scene from "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" on April 27. Granville High School’s Theater Department is performing the show on May 3-4 at 7 p.m.

More than 80 GHS students are involved in the production on stage, behind the scenes or playing in the pit orchestra.

Granville High School junior Zack Binckley sings during a April 27 rehearsal of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Granville High School’s Theater Department is performing the show on May 3-4 at 7 p.m.
Granville High School junior Zack Binckley sings during a April 27 rehearsal of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Granville High School’s Theater Department is performing the show on May 3-4 at 7 p.m.

"The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

Information submitted by Granville Exempted Village Schools.

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Granville students present 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'