The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
at George Mason High School

Reviewed on November 20, 2015

Aiden Carroll
Heritage High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Pandemonium in perfect harmony--although this phrase seems the slightest bit paradoxical, a bit of context adds a whole new perspective. The Twenty-Fifth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, written by Rachel Sheinkin and William Finn, is a musical satire on the woes of growing up while learning to be a kid. In a show so self-contradictory, it is no surprise that the song "Pandemonium" just so happens to have some of the tightest harmonies in the entire performance. Not only did George Mason HS' production of Spelling Bee capture this brilliant irony, but it did so in a way that balanced witty humor with in-depth characterization.

In every meaning of the phrase, Spelling Bee is the quintessential ensemble show--the Spellers at GMHS not only met this expectation, but surpassed it entirely. Each individual character blended seamlessly into the whole, moving in near perfect unison and striking harmonies tight enough to ensnare the audience for the full hour-and-a-half performance. This sort of cooperation was highly impressive; however, the individualization of each personality within the ensemble was what truly captivated. The Spellers coalesced as a unit in literally perfect harmony, providing insight into the group dynamic amongst the characters in addition to each character's woes and fears.

Sarah Edwards' performance as the anxiety-ridden Loggaine Schwartzandgrubenierre was a standout from the beginning--from her first entrance, Edwards carried herself with the air of an elementary-aged competitor. During group numbers, Edwards blended into the ensemble of spellers, contributing to spot-on harmonies and concisely dictated speech. On her own, however, Edwards completely transformed into Schwartzy, complete with a comically adorable speech impediment. In solo numbers such as "Woe is Me," Edwards coupled standout vocals with extensive characterization to create a truly hypnotic performance.

The orchestra of GMHS' Spelling Bee played in total synchronicity, adding to the overall performance without being a distraction by any means. Conducted by Mary Jo West, the Spelling Bee orchestra not only played pre-rehearsed songs with precision and energy, but picked up improvisational cues from the actors in a seamless manner. During each of the "Goodbyes," which are scripted to happen at various points throughout the performance, the pit orchestra carried the improvised numbers with mastery and confidence.

Overall, GMHS' production of The Twenty-Fifth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was rife with both whimsy and comedy, proving that a show doesn't need huge set pieces or flashy effects to be successful. The beauty of Spelling Bee is its ability to bring out the best in each performer, whether they like it or not--this performance was no exception. Clearly the stars were in perfect syzygy when this show was cast, because an ensemble of this caliber will likely be nonexistent for a long time to come.

Meghan Howe
W.T. Woodson High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Spelling Bees are more than competitions, as George Mason High School's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee teaches its audience. With interactive elements and heartwarming lessons, Mason did an amazing job mixing comedy with lessons of growing up.

A one act musical comedy based off of exactly what the title suggests, the show invites its audience into its interactive and fast paced style. With music and lyrics by William Finn, the musical offers the chance for audience members to participate in the bee, creating the chance for improvised lines by the reader, Vice Principal Panch.

The show started out immediately with a punch, the title song, which introduces the audience to each speller and their own quirks, and the energy and power each actor brought was incredibly immersive. Their harmonies were sharp and clean, creating an aesthetically pleasing ensemble of well-cultivated voices. While each actor held their own very well in their solos and duets, the group numbers were the most entertaining and powerful, as the energy was infectious.

Miles Jackson, donning a cape and aided by his sock puppet, portrayed Leaf Coneybear, captivating and playing with the audience. In "I'm Not That Smart", Jackson's strong voice, mixed with his childish glee, created the right blend of vocal talent and characterization. Also commendable was Sarah Edwards as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, the youngest bee participant and daughter of two demanding dads, who was always in character and always comedic.

With a lovely soprano, Marcy Park portrayed by Justine Stolworthy, punched in her point that she is ready to do what she wants in the exciting "I Speak Six Languages". Bringing in one of the more exciting scenes was Alec Reusch as Chip Tolentino, token boy scout who in "Chip's Lament (My Unfortunate Distraction)" came into the audience throwing out candy, his job after losing first. While somewhat a distraction in itself, its playful nature and Reusch's strong voice created an enthusiastic moment.

Vice Principal Panch, played by Jackson Rands, required impeccable comedic timing and improvisation, and Rands delivered just that. Getting his parole hours by being the grief counselor to losers, Michael Curtin's Mitch Mahoney was the lovable punk, hugging it out with the losers and helping Leaf with his juice box. Curtin brought the character alive past the script and had fun with Mahoney's swagger and rock star singing. Drawing the most sympathy from the audience, the lonely speller Olive Ostrovsky (Lydia Gompper) was adorable, quirky, and lovable, and made every audience member want to be her friend.

The set was very well done, made up as a school gymnasium with all the details, including a rope that Chip swung on and bleachers that added levels. The lighting was done minutely, with purple and teal highlights on the gym walls that made the event dreamier, as well as short but influential cues that added to the story. Leaf's clothing, which he bragged about making himself, was covered in pom pons and color, something a child would make, is an example of how the costumes fit the characters very well. The pit band complimented the talented vocalists very well.

Filled with tongue twisting words and heartwarming lessons about accepting yourself and growing, George Mason High School's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was engaging and filled with energy. Every number hit its mark and left the audience satisfied and buzzing.

Laras Kettner
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Fairfax

Welcome to George Mason High School's production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," an event that results in hilarious scenarios due to characters with conflicting personalities. The theme of accepting one's self is evident in this production, providing the audience with an effortless connection to the characters. Add to that a live orchestra and songs that include beautiful harmonies, and you have a musical that will delight audiences!

The musical is a one-act comedy conceived by Rebecca Feldman that includes music and lyrics by William Finn. It is based on a book by Rachel Sheinkin in which six eccentric students compete in a Spelling Bee set at Putnam Valley Middle school under the supervision of three equally eccentric adults. A unique aspect that sets the show aside from others is that it invites real audience members to compete in the spelling bee on stage. This establishes a great connection with the audience providing them with authentic comedic material. The Broadway production, which was performed in 2005, won two out of the six Tony Awards it was nominated for, including one for "Best Book".

Olive Ostrovsky (Lydia Gompper) is a newcomer in the spelling bee. She relies heavily on her good friend, the dictionary, to cope with the absence of her mother and father. Gompper was able to beautifully capture Olive's mannerisms throughout the performance. By ducking her head and continuously pulling her sleeves, she added to the shyness of her personality. Her radiant solo performances also revealed Olive's greatest emotions and desires, allowing her to "break out of her shell."

Leaf Coneybear (Miles Jackson), was already an eye-capturing actor due to his multicolored costume. However, his commitment to the character aided in delighting the audience. His wide, animated expressions, high-energy attitude, and wonderful charisma added to his lovable character. Mitch Mahoney (Michael Curtin) often commanded the stage with his swaggering walk, and his sharp and clear vocals rang out to gain the audience's respect.

The cast as a whole demonstrated an admirable chemistry with each other. All the competitors in the spelling bee displayed a growth throughout the performance that aided them to accept themselves as they were at the end. Other prominent ensembles included the Schwartz family (Sarah Edwards, Morgan O'Keefe, and Braxton Puentes), whose dysfunctional relations allowed for wonderful comedy. Although some of the performers were off-key in their solo songs, the ensemble songs were radiant, with the different voices intermixing and flowing together to create a beautiful and chilling harmony.

The set was simple, with red bleachers, basketball hoops and a floor that effectively translated to the audience as a school gym. The utilization of the bleachers to place the characters at different levels was an effective use of choreography. All costumes were colorful and creative, consistently reflecting the character's personality. The technical aspects of the production were also great. The entrance of Jesus' scene in particular utilized light and fog in a way that created a heavenly atmosphere in the scene.

George Mason High School's production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" consists of contrasting yet lovable characters that anybody can relate too. As the characters matured and developed a better understanding of themselves throughout the production, the question of "what's it mean" to be an individual becomes insignificant as the characters realize it's their differences that will make them "a winner" in the 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee.

Sierra Hoffman
Fairfax High School
Submitted for publication to Falls Church News Press

Although a spelling bee may not seem like the most exciting setting for a musical, audiences this weekend at George Mason High School were charmed by the sweet, comedic, and overall exciting energy of the "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee".

The musical follows six young spellers as they compete in their county spelling bee. Each speller grows along the way, discovers more about themselves, and matures with the help of three eccentric adults running the bee. The show opened in 2005 on Broadway and on the West End in 2011. Known for its audience participation and ad libbed one-liners, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" took home a Tony for best book in 2005 and is performed without an intermission.

An outstanding performance was by Lydia Gompper, who played Olive Ostrovsky, the shy, nerdy girl who eventually blossoms. Gompper's portrayal of the transformation from timid and nervous to mature and self confident was done with an elegance matched only by her beautiful vocals, demonstrating a strong range on songs like "My Friend the Dictionary" and "The I Love You Song". Another memorable performance of the night was Mitch Mahoney, the comfort counselor of the bee. As the punk-rocker fulfilling service hour requirements, Michael Curtin embodied the multi-layered character and supported his choices with his strong vocals in the song, "Prayer of the Comfort Counselor".

The ensemble of spellers worked beautifully together. They each captured the essence of being a child in their actions and voices. A standout in this sense is Miles Jackson, who played Leaf Coneybear, the immature quirky contestant who doesn't seem to fit in with his peers. Jackson used his lack of inhibitions to his advantage, creating beautiful moments of comedy. Although most of the cast is onstage for the entire show without a break, all the actors kept up their strong choices the entire time, and were always in character. The ensemble kept up beautiful tight harmonies and impressively strong vocals in group numbers like "The Goodbye Song" and "Pandemonium".

The technical elements of the show were truly outstanding. The orchestra was excellently timed and paced, and the balance between vocals and instrumentals was practically perfect. The static set was well constructed, designed, and dressed, and included incredibly creative elements such as a rope swing and basketball hoops. The costumes were character appropriate and helped give more depth to each actor's portrayal.The lighting design worked well with the simple set to help create many moods and the illusion of multiple random locations.

The charming energy of the cast of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at George Mason High School made for a solid, enjoyable, and hilarious performance for all ages.