The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Vic Theatre Co) – theatre review

Talk about playing mind games with words. A decade after MTC staged this Tony Award winning musical comedy, the Vic Theatre Company has brought it back to tickle our funny bones again. It is, indeed, hilarious, more than a touch silly and really fun, but not without pathos … for you see the contestants in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee are all flawed creatures. They are quite the collection of odd bods and brains – those who gather in a school gymnasium to try to spell some of the most difficult and obscure words our language has thrown up.

The show takes a heartwarming look at the pressures of growing up through the eyes of six quirky characters (all adults playing pre-pubescents). Another four are thrown into the mix, chosen from the audience before the production starts … and that adds its own charm. The competition to be crowned wordsmith extraordinaire (in other words, spelling bee king pin) is fierce. Just one letter out of place or misspoken and participants are sent packing, as one by one they are. These are “kids” who feel enormous pressure from their parents to win, or at the very least perform well. Never mind the burden they place on themselves. They have hang-ups and idiosyncrasies; they are awkward physically and socially.

From the girl with the lisp with two dads, Logainne Schwarzandgrubenniere (Sage Douglas), to the fat slob who is never without food in his mouth, William Barfee (Andrew Hondromatidis), they are nothing if not competitive. That is not to overlook the sweet, colourfully dressed lad, Leaf Coneybear (Henry Brett), who makes his own clothes and turns into a demonic spirit when he spits out his letters. Then there is the youngster, Olive Ostrovsky (Caitlin Mathieson), whose mum has taken a leave of absence and the no-nonsense girl who speaks six languages, Marcy Park (Teresa Duddy). Rounding out the “combatants” is a young ‘un who thinks he is God’s gift, Chip Tolentino (James Coley).

A 10-strong cast accompanied by a five-piece band ensure Spelling Bee is a night to remember. From a recreation of the Taj Mahal to Jesus (kind of) appearing from on high, this show has it all.

There are two judges. One is an injudicious vice principal Douglas Panch (David Spencer), who returns after a prolonged absence and an unfortunate incident at the 20th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The other is a former spelling bee victor, who is now a successful real estate agent (Rebecca Moore). The former shows little tact, is prone to fits of pique and carries a torch for the latter.

The contestants are being carefully monitored by a heavily tattooed “comfort counselor” Mitch Mahoney (Matt Heywood), who is undertaking community service. Just what these “gifted freaks” need – I think not! And I shouldn’t overlook the janitor (Riley Nottingham), whose presence is noticeable as soon as you enter the theatre and who has a habit of reappearing. A number of the actors also double up in smaller, secondary roles.

There is undoubtedly a strong group dynamic, which is impressive as collectively they only had a two-week rehearsal period. Credit also must go to director Ben Giraud, choreographer Bernie Bernard and musical director Trevor Jones. My particular character favourite was the grotesque William Barfee, whom Andrew Hondromatidis captured magnificently (I don’t think I will ever bring myself to eat another packet of corn chips). Henry Brett was also highly impressive, showing great diversity and flair as the competitor with two sides to his personality as well as one of Logainne Schwarzandgrubenniere’s overinvolved dads.

Spelling Bee originally opened off Broadway in 2005, where it was an instant hit, prompting its move to Broadway, where it ran for nearly three years. It was conceived by Rebecca Feldman, with music and lyrics from William Finn, a book by Rachel Sheinkin and additional material from Jay Reiss. In 2016 it remains an inspired piece of amusing musical entertainment that will undoubtedly be appreciated by those that make their way to Southbank Theatre, The Lawler, where it is playing until 10th April. It has a running time of just under two hours, including interval.

Alex First