By Michael Templeton, Currier Times Staff///

UPDATE: Curry Theatre’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” played to big crowds over the Dec. 2-5th run of the production. The cast included volunteers from the audience for each performance, with even Curry President, Jay Gonzalez, being part of the fun. Read below for the earlier story on the musical:

It’s time to put your thinking caps on… wait? You mean spelling caps, because the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is rolling through Curry College December 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th to bring some needed theatrical joy to everybody in need of a little extra boost to get them through finals and to the holiday break.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a unique theatrical experience that is sure to bring audiences in for an intimate evening.

Why you may ask? Mostly because the Spelling Bee will pull random participants up from the audience each night to test their orthographic skills to the ultimate test! However, not to worry, because if you happen to crack under pressure or are just a terrible speller, with a kind ding of the bell by Vice Principal Panch, played by Director of Radio, Ken Carberry, you will be dramatically serenaded and escorted off the stage and back to your seat by the Official Comfort Counselor, ex-convict
Mitch Mahoney, played by Jaden Dubuisson.

There is so much to love about this show, as it truly showcases the talents of the entire ensemble. Since most of the show features the entire cast on stage simultaneously, the audience is truly able to enjoy what each individual member of the cast brings to their characters and how they contribute to the larger group.

While the Putnam County Spelling Bee is very much an ensemble piece, there are a few performances that notably stand
out. Curry Theater veteran and Senior Chris Wilder’s clever portrayal of the ever so touchy character William Morris Barfée is sure to delight audiences with his deliberate playfulness.

Other notable performances include Sophomore Olivia Silva and Senior Jonah Cowan’s performances as Logainne ‘’Schwartzy’’ Schwartz and Grubenierre and Leaf Coneybear respectively. These two do quite an impressive job with a difficult task, playing young children convincingly and believably.

These three seem to lead the other less experienced actors effortlessly. At the helm of this ensemble, there is Marcy Holbrook, who is taking double duty as director AND actress. Holbrook’s talents as a director and actor shine in this production, and the
audience will be treated to her performance as the stern and sweet moderator, Rona Lisa Peretti.

There is so much to love about this show, so what are you waiting for?! Get your tickets NOW for the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, the Curry College Fall 2023 musical! Tickets are available outside the Student Center Thursday, Nov 30, and Friday, Dec 1st! Tickets are also available at the door before the shows outside the Keith Auditorium in the Academic and
Performance Center on Dec 2nd, 4th, and 5th at 7:30 PM with a matinee on Dec 3rd at 2:30 PM!

Check out the PHOTO GALLERY BELOW. All photos by Michael Templeton: