EMTC’s ‘Bee’ spells f-u-n

BY STACI WILSON

Endless Mountains Theatre Company brings an endearing combination of character stories wrapped in a hilarious hi-jinx with the “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” on stage this weekend in Montrose.

Show director Caleb Park said the show also features “plenty of audience involvement with audience spellers interacting with the entire cast.”

The one-act, Tony award-winning musical premiered in 2005. This modern production is a departure from more some of the more traditional productions EMTC has staged over the past few years.

Park said, “I believe it’s important to bring contemporary theatre to (local) audiences. Many people in the area have not had the opportunity to experience more modern theater and still have the idea that it’s all like Rodgers and Hammerstein when there is so much more variety to enjoy. I feel people will appreciate the more adult and sophisticated parts of the show.”

“Spelling Bee” is the story of six young spellers all vying for the title and the chance to move on to compete in the national championships. Through the course of the play, the characters disclosed the stories about growing up and their lives off the spelling bee stage, with stories that are sometimes touching and often humorous.

The spellers are guided through the competition by a former champion, a vice-principal, with a “comfort counselor” at the ready with a juice box when a word is missed.

“There is a crazy scene in the first half of the show where multiple actors get to show their chops as truly ridiculous characters,” Park said. “I particularly enjoy this scene due to the eagerness with which the actors jump into it and the general enjoyment of watching controlled chaos unfold on stage.”

“The audience can expect to see plenty of wonderful acting and hear fabulous singing,” he added.

Park also raves about the group of young performers who take on the various roles.

“The cast has been fabulous to work with. Gavin Herman has so eagerly embraced the role of Chip Tolentino that it leaves you speechless; Skylar Secord’s performance as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere is so close to the role’s Broadway originator that the only difference is that she’s not blonde; Bonnie Love-Colwell’s commitment to performing the role of Mitch Mahoney has been absolutely inspiring to observe; and Eli Sauls has taken his first opportunity in a true character role to show everything he can bring to the stage and there is no end to the entertainment that it provides.

“The rest of the cast has also made the process of creating this show a joy through their tireless work and great comedic skills,” Park said. Other cast members include: Autumn Calegari, Sarah Raub, Amanda Rispoli, Jasentha Van Nort, Bob DeLuca, and Logan Sauls.

Performances of “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will be held Friday and Saturday, July 31 – Aug. 1 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 2 at 2 p.m., at the Montrose Theatre, 38 Public Ave., Montrose. “The Montrose Theatre provides a wonderfully unique venue that I’m sure everyone who sees this show will enjoy,” Park said.

Tickets are available at the door and are $12 for adults; and $10 for seniors and students. The box office opens a half hour before showtime. Due to adult content, this show may not be suitable for young audiences.

Sandra Raub serves as the show’s executive producer; and Alison Yuravich is the musical director.

EMTC is a non-profit theater company bringing the excitement of the live stage to Susquehanna County.

The Montrose Movie Theatre will be running special movie show times July 31-Aug. 2.