"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" Triumphs at El Portal

     If you are interested in a play about a spelling bee for adolescents, run don’t walk to the Kelrik Productions production of  “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” in the Monroe Forum at El Portal Theatre in the heart of the NoHo Arts District running through March 1st.

     The play, which won two 2005 Tony Awards and marks the beginning of a new direction in theatrical programming at the theatre to a more family-friendly format, is a celebration of six youngsters entered in a spelling bee and the highs and lows of competing when every letter matters and you don’t know who your friends are.

     These are six outsiders who fit in by standing out.  Their anxiety and angst over a spelling bee are at the center of this unique and sensitive play.

     More than anything else, this is a statement about growing-up and maturing, about staying true to your ideals and overcoming any obstacle or hurdle put in the way.

     But when you add the comedic element, dance, music and song, the play becomes a party, a laugh-riot of the first order if the opening night audience is any indication.

     The music and lyrics by William Finn are inventive, different, but arresting.  They never shy away from the honest and authentic fact that these are just kids scared out of their minds, but oh what beautiful minds they are.

     Rachel Sheinkin’s book is topical, realistic and uncontrived.  It never pushes or feels artificial, and helps turn these spellers from somewhat amateurish youngsters into seasoned veterans like corporals become colonels.

      Rebecca Feldman’s conception is original, fearless and as colorful as a peacock’s wings.  It will not soon fade from this critic’s memory.  The idea behind this show shows-up every moment of the play: Imagination personified.

     Kristin Towers-Rowles’ direction is crisp, precise and true to the spirit of the show.  It allows each performer to be him or herself while getting a serious message across.

     Towers-Rowles deserves a world of credit for understanding the rhythm, beat and cadence of the music and words, and directing along with them.

     The musical direction by Joe Lawrence is on-point, leaves little to be desired and fits in perfectly with the acting, comedy and dancing.

      Samantha Whidby’s choreography is inventive, deft, energetic and down-to-earth. It does not stray far from the theme of the play or the situation these characters find themselves in.

     Even though the entire evening is a delight, the final 20 minutes of the play are a special joy. The pace picks-up considerably, the plot is resolved and the language, direction, acting, music and dancing meld like chocolates onto an eager tongue.

     Towers-Rowles has assembled a brilliant cast, each performer a triple threat and perfectly chosen for his or her character.

     Emily King Brown (Rona Lisa Peretti) is convincing, genuine, graceful and grounded.  She understands her character thoroughly and takes advantage of every moment she can. This is an experienced artist at the height of her craft.      

     Chuck McCollum (Vice Principal Douglas Panchi) displays an incredible ability for comedy and drama.  He is this play’s anchor and pulls it off with aplomb, commitment and charm.

     Craig McEldowney (Leif Coneybear) is funny, creative and bold.  His is a sensitive and believable turn.

     Leigh Golden (Logainne Schwarzandgrubenierre) has enough energy to fuel China in a snowstorm.  She is uproariously comedic, a talented actress and a genuinely fine dancer.

     Travis Dixon (Chip Tolentino) possesses innocence and naivete enough for ten elementary schools, yet also packs a punch as a dramatic actor and funny man. Here he is all charisma and charm.

     Nicole Santiago-Barredo (Marcy Park) sings like a lark and has enough motivation, passion and energy to light Texas at midnight.

     John Devereaux (Mitch Mahoney) gives a truly memorable performance underlined by an authentically naturalistic acting style.  When he first appears, this critic mistakes Devereaux for an audience member, not a performer.  Devereaux’s future appears brighter than all the lights on Broadway.              

        Kimberly Hessler (Olive Ostrovsky) shows-off a beautiful voice, deep sensitivity and determination few actresses her age possess. Hessler almost steals the show with a portrayal of such maturity and nuance that this critic hopes to see her again on the stages of North Hollywood and Los Angeles very soon.

     Erik Scott Romney (William Barffee) steals the show with a magnetic performance both parts physical and cerebral in tone. Romney is a master comedian and a truly transparent actor.  He uses circumstances to his favor and is present in each moment.  Romney, indeed, reminds of a young John Belushi and shows-off much of the same bluster and talent.  His is a fascinating gift.

    All in all, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” rises to the occasion and then some.  It is a gift to younger audiences and a very early Christmas present to adults. It combines the yearnings and doubts of youth with the realities of adulthood.

     This is a bee for the entire family, one rich in content and sub-text; but more than anything else, it is intoxicating and absorbing entertainment that bodes well for the future of theatrical programming at El Portal Theatre.  

             Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm
             Tickets: $30.00
             Admission/Information: (818) 508-4200
             El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd. in the heart of the NoHo Arts District