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It's a Joy! Marsden Epworth - Lakeville Journal It’s a joy, this musical about kids and other people striving for attention, respect and a place in the world. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at TriArts’ Sharon Playhouse doesn’t occupy your thoughts for days after, or leave you humming William Finn’s mostly tinkly tunes (with one notable exception) but it’s funny, inspired now and then, and, well, piercing.  
(l to r) Chip is consoled by the comfort counselor, Mitch Mahoney. Olive sings about her friend the dictionary. Photos: Randy O'Rourke
Six kids, played by adults, air their quirks. First there’s William Barfée (Phillip Smith) with his draining sinuses, multiple allergies and his magic foot that spells out words on the gym floor. Then Marcy Park (Yukiko Yamamoto), perfect and pushy. At one point she knocks conductor Dan Koch aside and takes over the keyboard herself. And Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (Sarah Murdoch) who is saddled with two demanding fathers and both their names. Leaf Coneybear (Charles Franklin) makes his own clothes, and believes he can’t spell. Chip Tolentino (Cailan Robinson) falls victim to his raging hormones and, finally, the character that gives this play its soul — Olive (Chloe Golden) who saves places in the audience for her parents in case they show up. All of these contenders know that everyone loves a winner. That means no one loves a loser. And all any of them wants is to be loved. For what they are. The show is slick, fast, clever and Olive singing “The I Love You Song” in an imagined sequence with her parents just before spelling “chimerical” is heartbreaking. In the end, of course, there is just one winner. But there are no losers, either. And the volunteer spellers from the audience win a little time in the spotlight, too, something everyone wants now and then.
A Boy With Dreams — July 31, 2010 Featuring Trevor McQueen Eaton in an original cabaret in our Bok Gallery. At seven, he debuted on the TriArts stage. At nine he debuted on Broadway. And now, for one night only, he shares his story in song. Featuring classic jazz standards, major works by Sondheim and more.
Video Clip
Click Here for a taste of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!
Current Production
July 16 - 25 Thursday 7/22 at 7pm
Saluting Our Sponsors
Please support our sponsors who support live theatre! The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is sponsored by: Contact Us
TriArts Sharon Playhouse (860) 364-SHOW (7469)
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| All Information Subject to Change Without Notice | Alice Bemand, Executive Director / Michael Berkeley, Artistic Director |