The 25th Annual Putnam county spelling bee

by William Finn & Rachel Sheinkin

Directed by Reed Martin

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Step into the quirky and heartwarming world of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! Follow the captivating journey of six eclectic middle schoolers as they compete for spelling glory in the high-stakes Putnam County Spelling Bee.  The contestants navigate the rollercoaster of adolescence while showcasing their unique talents and insecurities. With infectious musical numbers, unexpected twists, and moments of genuine emotion, this Tony Award-winning musical celebrates the triumphs and tribulations of growing up, spelling out a message of acceptance, resilience, and the joy of being true to oneself.

ROLES AND CASTING OPPORTUNITIES

Chip Tolentino: 

An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment. C4 - B5

Logainne Schwartzandgrunenierre (Schwartzy):

Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments a bout current politicalfigures. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. She is somewhat of a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and will be back next year. A3 - F5

Leaf Coneybear:

The second runner-up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. He has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and spells words correctly while in a trance. A3 - A5

William Barfee:

A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous "Magic Foot" method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory, even though he only has one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. He develops a crush on Olive. E4 - B5

Marcy Park:

A recent transfer from Virginia, Marcy placed ninth in last year'snationals. She speaks six languages, is a member of all-American hockey, a championship rugby player, plays Chopin and Mozart on multiple instruments, sleeps only three hours a night, hides in the bathroom cabinet, and is getting very tired of always winning. She is Asian, and attends a Catholic school called "Our Lady  of Intermittent Sorrows." She is also not allowed to cry. C4 - E5

Olive Ostrovsky:

A young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the bee. Having found comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition. She starts enormously shy, and shyly blossoms. B3 - F5

Rona Lisa Peretti:

The number-one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children, but she can be very stern when it comes to dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her interest in the competition is unflagging and drives it forward. B3 - F5

Douglas Panch:

The Vice Principle. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years' absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. There was an "incident" at the Twentieth Annual Bee, but he claims to be in "a better place" now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affections.

Mitch Mahoney:

The Official Comfort Counselor. An ex-convict, Mitch is performing his community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He has no idea how to offer comfort, but does find himself wishing he could find a way to make the kids feel better. E4 - A5

Carl Dad - Schwarzy's main trainer, the more intense and competitive of Schwarzy's fathers. Normally played by actor playing Leaf. G3 - D5

Dan Dad - the more laid back and ineffectual of Schwarzy's fathers. Normally played by the actor playing Mitch. G3 - D5

Jesus Christ - Deity invoked by a speller in need. Normally played by the actor playing Chip.

Leaf's Mom, Dad, And Siblings - All more academically gifted than Leaf, they are even more surprised than he is by his success. Normally played by the spellers and audience volunteers as indicated in the script.

Olive's Dad - A fantasy version of Olive's dad coming to the bee from work. Normally played by the actor playing Mitch. E4 - B5

Olive's Mom - A fantasy version of Olive's mom at her Ashram in India. Normally played by the actor playing Rona. D4 - E5

 

WHAT TO PREPARE for the preliminary audition

A contemporary comic monologue that is under 90 seconds long, plus have the auditioners tell a short joke of their own choosing. If they do not have a monologue memorized, there will be one available that they can read. Monologues are also available on the SRJC Theatre Arts website here: https://theatrearts.santarosa.edu/audition-information

Prepare a 32 bar or 1 minute cut of a song from a contemporary comedic musical, or something similar.

Bring sheet music, and we recommend you go over it with an accompanist to ensure it is in the correct key for your voice. Please clearly mark your music with beginning and end sections.

If you don’t have a song, one will be provided.

If you are auditioning for both shows, you will be performing the same monologue for both directors. We are auditioning together.

If you do not have a prepared monologue, please see the monologue options we have posted under General Audition Resources.

callbacks

Callbacks will consist of reading from the scripts and may include some improvisation and movement work. There will be no dance at the initial auditions on Friday/Saturday. There will be dance at callbacks on Sunday.

Rehearsal dates

TBD.

Performance dates

February 28th - March 9th 2025.

show-specific Questions?

Please contact director Reed Martin at rmartin@santarosa.edu.