TITLE:
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
PRODUCERS:
Brewster Theater Company, presented through a special licensing arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI).
AUTHORS:
Music and Lyrics by William Finn, Book by Rachel Sheinkin, Conceived by Rebecca Feldman with Additional Material by Jay Reiss. Originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine.
DIRECTOR: Judy Brewster
PRODUCER: Stacey Cohen
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Joy Giuseffi
PRODUCTION DATES:
3 weekends, February 21 - March 8
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2 PM
AUDITION INFO:
Dates: Monday, December 9 and Thursday, December 12, 2024
Times: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: The Theater @ Drew Methodist Church, 28 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel, NY
Callbacks: TBD
Please schedule your appointment by sending an email to btcspellingbee@gmail.com
REHEARSALS:
First Read-Through:
Monday, December 16 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Regular Rehearsals:
Starting Thursday, December 19 - Mondays and Thursdays, 7pm – 9:30pm, Sundays, 1-4pm. Must be available for rehearsals during tech week (2/15/25-2/20/25; weeknights 6-10pm; weekends 1-5pm) and for strike on Sunday, March 9
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
To request an audition time, please send an email to btcspellingbee@gmail.com. Once you are given a time slot, we will send the audition form to you to fill out and upon receipt, will confirm your audition time.
Please be prepared to sing a ballad or “up” tune of your choosing, in the correct key, in the style of Broadway songs. We will have an accompanist there so you can either bring sheet music for them to play or a backing track. If you bring a backing track, please have it downloaded to avoid any issues with the Wifi.
For callbacks be prepared to learn songs from the show, and read scene sides.
SHORT SYNOPSIS:
This heartfelt musical comedy follows an eclectic group of six teens who compete 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 “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Eight 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.
CASTING THE FOLLOWING ROLES:
NOTE: We encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, and ages to audition. We are looking for actors 18+. There may be some doubling of roles.
CHIP TOLENTINO (M) The reigning spelling champion of Putnam County. Slightly athletic and social, he expects things to come easily to him. This role requires some sustained high notes, up to a sustained high A in his solo number. (Also plays Jesus.) Vocal Range: Tenor to B (Vocal Range C4-B5)
LOGAINNE SCHWARTZANDGRUBENNIERE (F) Younger than most bee participants, she is driven by internal and external pressure—but above all else, a desire to please her two fathers. Speaks with a lisp. Vocal Range: Alto G to Eb (Vocal Range A3-F5)
LEAF CONEYBEAR (M/F/NON-BI) A second alternate to the bee, never expected to compete. Home-schooled with many siblings, everything about the public bee is an adventure to them. They have severe Attention Deficit Disorder and his best friend is his finger puppet. Vocal Range: Baritone to G (Vocal Range A3-A5)
WILLIAM BARFEE (M) Has a host of health problems and a lot to prove. Loud and combative—becomes the bully to avoid being picked out by others, but eventually warms up. A strong comedic role. Vocal Range: Tenor to Bb (Vocal Range E4-B5)
MARCY PARK (F) The ultimate overachiever, Marcy has never been given another option. She comes from a family where excellence is expected and so simply produced. Role requires various tricks th—baton twirling, cartwheels, splits, etc. Vocal Range: Mezzo to Eb (Vocal Range C4-E5)
OLIVE OSTROVSKY (F) A word-lover, Olive has a fairly quiet life, a result of often-absent parents and being an only child. She spends most of her time with the dictionary, which brings her comfort with its vastness of wonder. This role requires a strong belter contained in a shy and sweet young girl. Vocal Range: Mezzo A to high G (Vocal Range B3-F5)
RONA LISA PERRETTI (F, 30-40’s) Putnam County’s long-time spelling bee hostess, a local realtor, and the winner of the 3rd annual bee. This is Rona’s day to be queen, and her own when is sadly the highlight of her life still. This role requires a strong belter. Vocal Range: Mezzo up to A (Vocal Range B3-F5)
VICE PRINCIPAL DOUGLAS PANCH (M or F, 30-60’s) The vice principal of a local middle school, he is frustrated with his life. Forced to be a substitute co-host of the bee, he finds the whole thing odd, but attempts to play along to impress Rona, whom he has a crush on. (minimal singing).
MITCH/MARGE MAHONEY (M/F/NON-BINARY): With a bouncer’s physique and demeanor, Mitch appears an odd choice for the bee’s “comfort counselor,” but it is part of his community service. Vocal Range: Gospel/ Baritone to A (Vocal Range E4-A5)
CARL DAD: Schwartzy's main trainer, the more intense and competitive of Schwartzy's fathers. Normally played by actor playing Leaf.
DAN DAD: The more laid back and ineffectual of Schwarzy's fathers. Normally played by the actor playing Mitch.
JESUS CHRIST: Deity invoked by a speller in need. Normally played by the actor playing Chip.
LEAF’S MOM, DAD & SIBLINGS: All more academically gifted than Leaf, they are even more surprised than he is by his success. Normally played by the spellers and audience volunteers.
OLIVE'S DAD: A fantasy version of Olive's dad coming to the bee from work. Normally played by the actor playing Mitch.
OLIVE’S MOM: A fantasy version of Olive's mom at her Ashram in India. Normally played by the actor playing Rona.
All auditions are at Drew Methodist Church, 28 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel, NY 10512
All performances, auditions, and rehearsals take place at
The Theater at Drew United Methodist Church 28 Gleneida Ave., Carmel, NY 10512
unless otherwise noted.