“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is presented on stage at Pegasus Playhouse and features improvisation and surprises, culminating in an unforgettable theater experience.
The musical comedy, which will be on stage at 402 Main St. through the weekend, promises to be an interactive experience for audience members.
The plot follows the plight of six quirky tween competitors who face off in a championship run by eccentric adults. Each has a backstory that the audience invests in.
“The play made me cry several times,” said Emily Pyle, Eugene resident. One of those times was when actress Story Frazier-Maskiell sang her touching song of longing and love for an absentee parent.
The writing is funny, the backstories heartwarming, and the play incredibly engaging. Because audience members are invited on stage to compete, each show is different.
You may even pick up a new word or two.
“The play is a nice reminder that words, writing, and spelling can be very impressive, especially in an era where we constantly rely on spellcheck,” said Nathalie Fortin, music director, who admits to having learned new words herself during rehearsal.
Now, considering this play covers the true-to-life hormonal problems of teenagers … one needs to be prepared for irreverence and hilariousness. Be aware that this play is considered mature for using double-entendres and other language.
Fortin recognized the talented and hard-working group of high schoolers she’s been working with on production.
“It gives me joy and hope to see teenagers passionate about art,” Fortin said. Unlike other plays in which Fortin plays music as the in-house pianist, Fortin is also on stage in this production, like a teacher playing the piano at a school.
“This cast is just so talented,” director and choreographer Scott Frazier-Maskiell said.
Amanda Guldager, an audience member, had two sons involved in the play: Nick Guldager played Charlito “Chip” Tolentino, and Ben Guldager was the sound engineer and part of the set crew. She said that many “Peggles” were in the crowd — people who had once participated in past productions and kept coming back to support the community.
Actor Noah Oristano was hilarious as Leaf Coneybear. It took me halfway through the play to realize he was playing a second character because his range in style made it feel like he was a completely different actor. Grace White, playing Logainne SchwartzeandGrubeneirre, gave an outstanding performance. There isn’t enough room to mention each impressive actor.
Sandy Lackington, Eugene resident and audience member, enjoyed watching her granddaughter, Adeline Daggett’s, perform, who has a notably impressive vocal range.
“I’m also enjoying the one with the glasses,” Lackington added, referring to the talented Spoon Meiners, who plays William Morris Barfée. He stole the show with his rendition of the “Magic Foot” song.
That song alone, and his theatrical jazz rendition, would be reason enough to see the show twice.
IF YOU GO:
What: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
When: Friday, Feb. 28, Saturday, March 1, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 2, at 6 p.m.
Where: Pegasus Playhouse, 402 Main St.
Tickets / website: PegasusPlayhouse.com.
