Yuba College’s Theater Department introduces its Spring musical production of Tony Award winning “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” conceived by Rebecca Felden and book written by Rachel Sheinkin. With its witty humor and charm, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” has entertained audiences across the country.
Six of Putnam Valley Middle School’s young, bright students compete with one another in the annual spelling bee. The anticipation and stakes are high for these students as they go through personal obstacles and the overall competition of the spelling bee—dreaming to win and achieve greatness. This hopeful atmospheric musical features vocal solos from each character, providing insight to reflective and touching stories of life at home and in the spelling bee.
The Yuba College student actors featured in this witty musical production are casted or double-casted as: Caitlin Larick as Rona/Olive’s mom, Lauren Tyner as Olive Ostrovsky, Jenna Gallegos as Marcy, Shamaya Sutton as Schwarzy, Tyler Zepp/ Trevon Williams as Leaf, Zach Larvick as Barfee/Olive’s dad, Krisstoph Robinson as Chip, Nick Natal as Mitch, Richard Foote as Panch, Tyler Zepp/Trevon Williams as Carl’s dad, Trevon Williams/Nick Natal as Dan’s dad, and Trevon Williams/Nick Natal as Jesus.
Music originally written and composed by William Finn will be musically directed by Yuba College’s very own, Aya Ueda. The music is constructed by various instruments such as flute, oboe, saxophone, cello, piano, synthesizer and percussion to accumulate the vibrant musical production to exemplify emotions, setting, and atmosphere that the characters themselves cannot simply present alone.
Yuba College’s Theater director, James Gilbreath, has work immensely to put together this semester’s musical production. With countless hours of rehearsals, organization, and student training, the show is undoubtedly worthy of applause and recognition.
With the musical superiority of Aya Ueda, the hard work of James Gilbreath, and the dedication of the student actors, Yuba College’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a grand musical extravaganza with a wonderful story of hope, persistence, friendship, and family. It is filled with both touching and exciting music, excellent choreography, and humorous dialogue that is anything but dull. The actors and orchestra demonstrates an outstanding performance that is an uplifting and enjoyable for audiences of all age. Don’t miss out on this great performance brought to you by Yuba College’s excellent theater department!
Putnam Valley Middle School’s students will not be the only ones taking part in the annual spelling bee. Expect audience participation!
Evening Showings of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will be at the Yuba College theater on March 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26 at 8 p.m. and matinees on March 20 and 26 at 2 p.m.
Admission fees are $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors.
Call (530) 741-6829 for more information.
Note: This article was featured in the Spring 2016 issue of The Prospector.
Regina is in her first semester of writing for The Prospector. She is a sushi, arts, and dog enthusiast.
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