Menomonie Theater Guild

Come audition for one of the funniest musicals ever written!

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius. The small cast and unit set make this a perfect option for high schools or community theatres. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser and an instant theatre patron favorite.

(THIS MUSICAL IS PERFORMED BY MATURE PEOPLE FOR MATURE AUDIENCES, IT IS NOT A CHILDREN’S SHOW)

ROLES:

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. (Age range: 15-up) (Vocal range: Tenor)

Logainne Schwartzandgrunenierre: Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures. 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. (Age range: 15-up) (Vocal range: Mezzo-soprano)

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. (Age range: 15-up) (Vocal range: Tenor/Baritone)

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. (Age range: 15-up) (Vocal range: Tenor)

Marcy Park: A recent transfer from Virginia, Marcy placed ninth in last year’s nationals. 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 the poster child for the Over-Achieving Asian, and attends a Catholic school called “Our Lady of Intermittent Sorrows.” She is also not allowed to cry. (Age range: 15-up) (Vocal range: Mezzo-soprano)

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. (Age range: 15-up) (Vocal range: Mezzo-soprano)

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. (Age range: 30-50) (Vocal range: Mezzo-soprano)

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. (Age range: 30-up) (Vocal range: DOES NOT HAVE TO SING)

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. (Age range: 18-up) (Vocal range: Tenor)

*THE FOLLOWING ROLES MAY BE DOUBLE CAST WITH OTHER CHARACTERS*

Carl Dad: Schwarzy’s main trainer, the more intense and competitive of Schwarzy’s fathers. (Age range: 18-45) (Vocal range: Baritone)

Dan Dad: the more laid back and ineffectual of Schwarzy’s fathers. (Age range: 18-45) (Vocal range: Baritone)

Jesus Christ: Deity invoked by a speller in need. (Age range: 15-50) (Vocal range: DOES NOT SING)

Olive’s Dad: A fantasy version of Olive’s dad coming to the bee from work. (Age range: 18-45) (Vocal range: Tenor)

Olive’s Mom: A fantasy version of Olive’s mom at her Ashram in India. (Age range: 18-45) (Vocal range: Mezzo-soprano)

PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, RACES, AND GENDERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO AUDITION.

All auditions will be held at the Menomonie Theater Guild Studio (502 2nd St W, Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751).

AUDITIONS TIMES:

June 26th at 7PM,
June 27th at 7PM.

(Only need to come to one.)

CALLBACKS:

June 28th at 7PM.

PERFORMANCES:

August 17th, 18th, and 19th at 7:30pm. August 19th at 2:00pm.

Directed by Kelan M. Smith