25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Program:

• About the Play
• Artistic Director's Note
• Director's Note
• Musical Numbers
• Cast (listed in order of appearance)
• Orchestra
• Production Staff
• Run Crew
• Cast Bios
• Creative Team Bios
• Creators’ Bios
• ArtsGala
   

About the Play

We welcome spring with the Tony- and Drama Desk Award-winning 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, where audience members will participate in the fun of a middle school spelling bee. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny, and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience. Six awkward spelling champions learn that winning (and losing) isn’t everything. Directed and choreographed by Distinguished Professor of Musical Theatre. 

Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman

Additional Material by Jay Reiss
Originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine
Originally produced on Broadway by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo
Barrington Stage Company, Second State Theatre

Based upon C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E, an original play by The Farm.

The Barrington Stage Company workshop of 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was originally co-directed by Michael Barakiva and Rebecca Feldman.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is presented through special arrangements with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

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Artistic Director's Note

Welcome back to Wright State Theatre! Or, if this is your first visit with us—WELCOME. 

What we witness together in the sacred space of a theatre can have profound impact on our perspective of humanity. Tonight, please spell, laugh, and breathe in a sense of community.

Thank you for joining us in the Festival Playhouse for our production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! We hope to see you at ArtsGala and our Spring Dance Concert in April.

Thank you for making this season a success!

Marya Spring Cordes
Artistic Director

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Director's Note

Welcome to Wright State Theatre and our production of The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. This joyful, heart-filled, silly, and touching evening will be the last production I direct at Wright State as a full-time faculty member. It’s a perfect cherry on the sundae of my 27 years at this institution because it’s a celebration of young people finding their place in a world that doesn’t always know what to do with their unique voices. That’s what all of us in Arts education do every day. For me, directing and choreographing a musical that marries humor and heart with very smart music and script is just the kind of valedictory I wish to make. 

Inevitably, I look back over decades spent in these halls and in this very theatre, telling passionate stories with young people who are poised to launch exciting careers and life adventures. Whether they went on to fulfill exactly the dream they came to college with, or moved on to some other path that brings them fulfillment, they will always live in these halls as shadows of their younger selves. And soon, I will become another of those ghosts, perpetually rehearsing into the night, tap dancing at noon, cheering student achievements at showcases, and working to open creative doors in our studios. 

I grew up in an academic family, watching both parents teach until retirement. They wondered what their legacy might be. But I have no doubt about my own. In just a couple years, no student will remember me on-campus. But the legions I’ve been fortunate enough to work with will, I hope, remember to lift their knees in Tap, to bring passion to their acting, and to always work with courage and joy, no matter where they go. 

With Gratitude,

Joe Deer, Director-Choreographer
Spelling Bee

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Musical Numbers

The Twenty-Fifth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: Company

The Spelling Rules: Panch and Spellers

My Favorite Moment of the Bee: Rona

My Friend, the Dictionary: Olive and Company

Pandemonium: Panch, Chip, Mitch, and Spellers

I’m Not That Smart: Leaf

Magic Foot: Barfée and Company

Pandemonium (Reprise): Mitch, Chip, and Company

My Favorite Moment of the Bee (Reprise): Rona

Prayer of the Comfort Counselor: Mitch/Midge and Company

Chip's Lament: Chip

Woe is Me: Logainne, Carl, Dan, and Company

Spelling Montage: Panch and Spellers

I'm Not That Smart (Reprise): Leaf

I Speak Six Languages: Marcy and Company

Marcy's Epiphany: Marcy, Mitch, and Company

The I Love You Song: Olive and Olive's Parents

Woe is Me (Reprise): Logainne, Mitch, and Company

My Favorite Moment of the Bee (Reprise): Rona

Second: Barfée, Olive, Rona and Company

Finale: Company

The Last Goodbye: Company

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Cast (listed in order of appearance)

Dictionary Cast                                  

March 17 (eve), 18, 22, 23 (mat), 28, 30 (eve), and 31       

Thesaurus Cast

March 15, 16 (mat), 21, 23 (eve), 24, 29, and 30 (mat)

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Orchestra

• Reed—clarinet, flute, alto sax, oboe
• Percussion—vibes, woodblock, triangle, glock, drum set, tympani, xylophone, vibe, marakas, cabassa, shekere,bongo, dumbek, tambourine, finger cymbal, tabla, bells, metal guiro

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Production Staff

Production Manager/Technical Director: Kevin Nedberg

Assistant to Technical Director: Shay Roth

Assistant Technical Director: James Hendricks

Assistant Director: Peyton Wheeler

Dance Captain: Aidan Edwards

Fight Captain: Meghan Hohman

Baton Coach: F. Wade Russo

Basketball Advisor: Blaise D-B

Juggling Advisor: Aidan Edwards

Assistant Stage Manager: Ellie Engle, Elise Parks

Production Assistants: Evelyn Vordtriede, Madeline Zabela

Production Electrician:

Electricians: Jennifer Dillard, Jackson Boone, Dylan Serrano, Levi Fravel, Caleb Murray, Alexander Markley

Sound Engineer/Audio Coordinator: James Dunlap

Head Carpenter: Logan Gregory, Eli Baader

Carpenters: Drew Feller, Yoshi Hill, Mary Carlson, Sofia Maisano, Hannah Baker, Maggie Slauenwhite, Megan Todd, Nolan Todd, Noel Nieczyporowicz

Scenic Artists: Britney Accrocco, Lilly Buck, Juliette Trumbull, Isa Castillon, Callie Lippincott

Properties Master: John Lavarnway

Properties Artisan: Kaitlin Teller, Phoenix Perry, Lily Brown, Lauren Crane, Anna Hunter

Costume Shop Manager: Carly Anne Kimmins

Draper/Lead Stitcher: Emma Green

Craftsperson: Anna Hunter

Stitchers: Payton Johnson, Wrynn Boucher, Lily Butt, Jake Jonesco, Katie Leonard, Anthony Lombardo, Charlie Cute

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Run Crew

Stage/Fly Crew: Eli Baader, Zach Wuest, Desmond Kingston

Sound Board Operator: James Dunlap, Jackson Boone

A2: Megan Todd, Sid Grohowski

Light Board Operator: Alexander Markley

Spot Operators: Jennifer Dillard, Callie Lippincott

Properties Head: James Hendricks

Properties Crew: Anthony Lambardo, Sofia Maisano,

Wardrobe Head: Emma Green

Wardrobe: Juno Brosas, Jake Jonesco, Charlie Cute, Katie Leonard

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Cast Bios

Lindsay Bates (Dictionary: Rona Lisa Perreti) (she/her) is a senior musical theatre major from Houston, Texas. Previous roles at Wright State include Cabaret (Texas, Dance Captain, Sally u/s), On The Town (Ensemble, Ivy u/s), and Sister Act (Ensemble). A million thank-yous to Wright State faculty, her family and friends for their continuous support, and this cast for this wonderful process!

Joclyn Blake (Dictionary: Marcy Parks) (she/her) is a sophomore musical theatre major from Columbus. Previous roles include Savannah in Kelly the Destroyer vs. the Springfield Cobras. Thank you to Joe, Wade and this amazing company for such a fun and wonderful show!

Danny Dobbins (Dictionary: Chip Tolentino) is elated to be a part of this piece, playing one of his dream roles! Danny is a junior musical theatre major. Favorite credits include Woodchuck (Kelly The Destroyer vs. the Springfield Cobras) and Jedadiah Schultz (The Laramie Project). Many thanks to Joe and the creative team for this incredible process. Unconditional love and gratitude to mom for her unwavering support.

Blaise Duncan-Bevans (Thesaurus: Mitch Mahoney) is a junior acting major who has appeared in roles such as Sweat (Brucie), Sister Act (Henchmen Trio), and The Liar (Alcippe). He is excited to continue to learn and grow in a way that inspires and effects positive change.

Aidan Edwards (Thesaurus: Chip Tolentino) is a sophomore musical theatre major and dance minor. Wright State credits include Cabaret (Bobby/Emcee u/s), On the Town (Ensemble), Dog Sees God (Matt). Regional credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Fight Captain, Puck/Lysander understudy). He would like to thank the production team and his family for their support.

Sam Evans (Thesaurus: Olive Ostrovsky) is a senior musical theatre major from Austin, Texas, and is beyond grateful to be working with all her friends! Sam would especially like to thank her parents, Becky Barrett-Jones, Harry <3, and her lovely friends!

Devon Fruscione (Dictionary: Olive Ostrovsky) (she/her) is stoked to be at the Bee! She was last seen at Wright State as Vi in Kelly the Destroyer vs. the Springfield Cobras. Other credits: Chicago (Annie, Off-Bway), The Dolls of New Albion (Amelia, Off-Bway), Les Mis (Eponine), and Sweeney Todd (Johanna). Big thanks to all involved in the process <3.

Toby Hattemer (Thesaurus: Vice Principal Panch) (he/him) is a junior musical theatre major and is overjoyed to be a part of Spelling Bee. Previous roles include Cabaret (ensemble, Sailor), The Laramie Project, Bright Star (Daddy Cane), and The Gondoliers (ensemble, Francesco). He hopes you have so much fun watching the show!

Meghan Hohman (Dictionary: Logainne Schwartzy) is thrilled to be making her main stage debut at Wright State. She is a junior musical theatre major originally from Columbus. Her previous roles in the Dayton area include Jean Fordham in August: Osage County, and Myrtle Mae Simmons in Harvey at Dayton Playhouse. Meghan would like to thank the Wright State faculty, her family, and the wonderful cast and crew for their hard work and support, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Atlas Kessinger (Dictionary: William Barfee) (they/them) is a junior musical theatre major from Fort Worth, Texas. Previous roles include Kelly in Kelly the Destroyer vs. the Springfield Cobras and Romaine Patterson u/s in The Laramie Project. Thank you to Joe, the faculty, and their family and friends for being so supportive!

Andres Martinez (Thesaurus: Leaf Coneybear) is a senior musical theatre major from Houston, Texas. He is excited to be back performing in the Festival! Previous credits at Wright State include Sweat (Oscar), Bright Star (Max), On The Town (Ensemble/Chip u/s), and Kelly the Destroyer vs. the Springfield Cobras (Kick). He thanks his friends and family for their constant support!

Eamon Mitchell (Dictionary: Vice Principal Panch) is a senior musical theatre major. He has studied classical ballet since age 10 and has traveled to many programs and schools for dance. He has a passion for the performing arts and Legos!

Amirah Musa (Thesaurus: Marcy Parks) (she/her) is overjoyed to be in her first Wright State Festival Playhouse show! She is a sophomore musical theatre major and was recently in the Herbst Theater’s Kelly The Destroyer vs. the Springfield Cobras (Whip). She would like to thank her AMAZING cast and loved ones for supporting her!

James Newton (Thesaurus: William Barfee) (he/him) is a junior musical theatre major. Wright State credits include The Gondoliers (Ensemble, u/s Duke), Sister Act (Ensemble, u/s Monsignor), Arcadia (u/s Bernard), and Kelly the Destroyer vs. the Springfield Cobras (Shinn). Many thanks to the production team for the opportunity to do this work. Love to family and friends. Enjoy the S-H-O-W!

Claire Northcut (Thesaurus: Rona Lisa Perreti) is a junior musical theatre major and is so excited to be a part of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Previous roles here include Rosie in Cabaret, Ensemble in On The Town, and Nun/ Tina u/s in Sister Act. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support. Enjoy the show!

Eli Peel (Dictionary: Leaf Coneybear) (he/they) is a sophomore musical theatre major. Recent productions have included Kelly the Destroyer vs. the Springfield Cobras, Puffs, Open, Stay, and Exit Laughing. Upcoming projects include Twelve Angry Men. They dressed up as Leaf Coneybear for Halloween at 13 years old. Nobody knew who they were supposed to be.

Sara Ashleigh Tuohy (Thesaurus: Logainne Schwartzy) (she/her) is a senior musical theatre major who is so excited for her final production at Wright State. Previous credits include Helga in Cabaret, Flossie in On The Town, and Mary Martin-Of-Tours in Sister Act. She’d like to thank her parents, mentors, roommates, and cat for supporting her in all her endeavors!

Evette Williamson (Dictionary: Midge Mahoney) (she/her) is a sophomore musical theatre major, and this is her first production at Wright State. She is honored to have this opportunity. Her previous role was Ti Moune in Once on This Island at the Dayton Playhouse. She wants to give honor to God and is thankful for all the love and support from family and friends.

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Creative Team Bios

Joe Deer (director and choreographer): Distinguished Professor of Musical Theatre Joe Deer was previously head of musical theatre at Wright State for 20 years as well as department chair, artistic director, and director of the Musical Theatre Initiative. As a performer and stage manager, Deer has been part of five Broadway shows, three national tours, and dozens of off-Broadway, regional, dinner theatre, and summer stock productions. He has more than 200+ credits as director or choreographer, including off-Broadway, London (UK), Milan (Italy), and regional theatres across America. Deer has overseen 25 Wright State departmental productions as director or director/choreographer, 24 ArtsGala productions, 20 Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting and Musical Theatre Industry Showcases, and dozens of special events. Deer was artistic director for four theatre or dance companies and proudly affiliates with The Human Race Theatre Company (resident artist) and Muse Machine (director and special programming). His books, Acting in Musical Theatre: a comprehensive course (co-author Rocco Dal Vera) and Directing in Musical Theatre: an essential guide, have been translated into four languages and are the most widely used textbooks on their subjects in the world. Deer is a frequent master teacher at many of the world’s top institutions, including Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Scuola del Teatro Musicale, Danish National School of Performing Arts, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Carnegie Mellon University, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music, and many others. His greatest pleasure comes from seeing young artists find their voices. As ever, this production is for Caitlin. 

Matthew Benjamin (co-lighting designer) is in his 25th year at Wright State as a professor of lighting design and head of the theatre design and technology program, Matthew’s professional credits include seven seasons as resident lighting designer for the Opera Theatre and Music Festival of Lucca, Italy. Other work includes productions with the Interlochen Center for the Arts, Aspen Music Festival, Alley Theatre, Cincinnati Opera, CATCO, TriCities Opera, Luna Negra Dance Company, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dayton Opera, Opera at Florham, BalletTech Ohio, Human Race Theatre Company, South Jersey Regional Theatre, and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, among others. Matthew is also an active theatrical consultant on numerous new theatres and renovations in the region. Member: United Scenic Artists, Local 829: Lighting Design, and International Alliance of Lighting Designers.

James Dunlap (sound designer): is the audio coordinator and resident sound designer for Wright State Theatre. James has been involved with sound system/sound production design, music composition, and live-event audio for over 20 years. He has worked with hundreds of national touring acts and local productions. Recent sound design credits include A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Sister Act, Mother Courage and Her Children, Grapes of Wrath, Chicago, Pride and Prejudice, Les Misérables, The Magic Fire, Oklahoma!, Spring Awakening, Phantom of the Opera, Rent, and Hairspray.

Ellie Engle (assistant stage manager) Ellie Engle is a freshman stage management major. This is her third time working on a Wright State production and she is excited to work on so many more! She was a production assistant on Kelly the Destroyer vs. the Springfield Cobras and on costume crew for Cabaret. Ellie also works at the radio station on campus as the programming director.

Sean Hannah (costume designer) is a senior costume design major. His previous credits include costume design for Arcadia and The Gondoliers and assistant costume designer for Mamma Mia!, Sister Act, and Cabaret. He’s so grateful to be a part of this wonderful production and appreciates all the constant support he has received from family, friends, and faculty in his time here at Wright State.

Alexander Markley (co-lighting designer) is a senior lighting design major from Richmond, Indiana. During previous semesters he has been the lighting designer for The Liar, The Laramie Project, and co-designer for Arcadia, to name just a few. Currently he interns at the Museum of the United States Air Force as a lighting technician, where he has helped in the installation of the exhibits Discover Steampunk and Dinosaurs in Motion. After graduating, he plans on pursuing full-time employment at the museum.

Elise Parks (assistant stage manager) is so excited to be backstage once again here at Wright State! Elise just finished playing Catwoman in By the Bog of Cats and has played other roles such as Ariel, Wednesday, Puck, etc. She would like to thank her friends, family, and teachers for their support. Enjoy the show and remember… theatre is magic.

F. Wade Russo (music director) is the faculty musical director and a voice instructor. Most recently he served as orchestra conductor for last fall’s Cabaret. Broadway/film credits include By Jeeves (associate conductor), directed by Sir Alan Ayckbourn. He conducted the national tour of The Boyfriend, directed by Julie Andrews. Regional credits include Goodspeed Musicals (27 productions) Pittsburgh Public Theatre, St. Louis Rep, Huntington Theatre, Asolo Repertory, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Manhattan Theatre Club, Barrington Stage, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and the O’Neill Theatre Center. He has taught at Boston Conservatory, Point Park University, Emerson College, Circle in the Square and the Juilliard School.

Dylan Serrano (stage manager) is very excited to be stage-managing the mainstage musical as a sophomore stage management and lighting design major. Their previous Wright State credits include The Liar and The Laramie Project as stage manager, and Cabaret and On the Town as run crew. Outside of Wright State, they assistant stage-managed The Nutcracker with The Dayton Ballet, lighting-designed multiple dance concerts with Stivers School for the Arts, and stage-managed James and The Giant Peach with Yellow Brick Theater. They hope you enjoy the bee!

Evelyn Vordtriede (production assistant) (she/her/hers) is a freshman musical theatre major. She is honored to be part of the Spelling Bee stage management team as a production assistant. It has been such a rich experience working with such an amazing creative team as well as an extremely talented and kind cast!

Peyton Wheeler (assistant director) is a freshman musical theatre major and is so excited to be a part of Spelling Bee as assistant director. She would like to thank Joe, Wade, and the cast for this opportunity and hopes you all enjoy the show!

Madeline Zabela (production assistant) is thrilled to help out behind the scenes as a production assistant in this year's production of Spelling Bee. As a freshman musical theatre major, this is Madeline's first involvement in a mainstage show. In previous years, she has served as vice president and historian of Moon Area High School's Drama Club in her hometown of Moon Township, Pennsylvania. She hopes you enjoy the immense creativity that the cast members bring to the show!

Ray Zupp (scenic designer) Excited to finally get the chance to collaborate with Joe Deer, Ray has been designing for over 15 years, working in theatres across the United States as well as television and film, working on projects for Netflix, HBO, Peacock, ABC, Amazon, and Disney+. His designs have been seen locally at the Human Race Theatre Company (One Slight Hitch, The House, Lizzie, The Revolutionists, and the upcoming Peerless, directed by Wright State's own Marya Cordes) or the Dayton Ballet (Cinderella, Dracula:Bloodlines, The Nutcracker 2011-2023, and the brand new Nutcracker this winter). Ray currently works as a full-time art director, spending the last two years designing immersive attractions for major theme parks in the United States and abroad in the UK, Saudi Arabia, and China.

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Creators’ Bios

Rebecca Feldman is the conceiver of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee for which she won a Lucille Lortel Award, Drama Desk and Tony Nomination for Best Musical. She directed its world premiere at Barrington Stage Company in the summer of 2004. Rebecca is associate producer on Transparent, the Musical Finale and served as staff writer on the finale as well. She is currently developing an episodic drama with Big Kid Pictures, called La Coyote, which has been selected to the WeForShe’s 2019 Writeher List. She is an alumna of the Lincoln Center Director's Lab as well as the AFI Directing Workshop for Women where she won the Jean Firstenburg Award for Best Short. Her short films include My First Time Driving (AFI Jean Firstenburg Award, Best Short at Lake Arrowhead Film Fest, Best of Shorts at Outfest), A/V Club (TV Pilot, NYTVF), Uber Alice (Woodstock Film Fest), Dead Cat (producer, Tribeca Film Fest) and Irving (Official Selection Rhode Island Film Fest, Official Selection USA Film Fest, Ft. Lauderdale Film Fest, Atlanta Jewish Film Fest).

William Finn is the writer and composer of Falsettos, for which he received two Tony Awards, Best Book of a Musical (with James Lapine) and Best Original Score. He has also written and composed In Trousers, March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland (Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, two Los Angeles Drama Critic's Awards, two Drama Desk Awards, the Lucille Lortel Award, and Guggenheim Fellowship in Musical Composition). Finn wrote the lyrics to Graciela Daniele's Tango Apasionado (music by the great Astor Piazzolla) and, with Michael Starobin, the music to Lapine's version of The Winter's Tale. His musical, Romance in Hard Times, was presented at the Public Theater. Recently, he wrote Painting You for Love's Fire, a piece commissioned and performed by the Acting Company, based on Shakepeare's sonnets. For television, Finn provided the music and lyrics for the Ace Award-winning HBO cartoon Ira Sleeps Over, Tom Thumb and Thumbelina, Pokey Little Puppy's First Christmas, and, with Ellen Fitzhugh, two Brave little Toaster cartoons. Finn has written for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and The New Yorker. A graduate of Williams College, where he was awarded the Hutchinson Fellowship for Musical Composition, Finn now teaches a weekly master class at the NYU Tisch graduate program in musical theatre writing. His most recent projects include Elegies, A Song Cycle (Lincoln Center) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which ran on Broadway and has been produced nationally and internationally as well.

Jay Reiss is playwright. He is a Julliard graduate and provided additional material to the book for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Reiss appeared in the original workshops, Off-Broadway cast, and Broadway cast of the musical as Vice Principal Douglas Panch.

Rachel Sheinkin is the writer of the book The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Her credits include: Broadway: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Tony, Drama Desk awards); Off Broadway: Striking 12 (Lucille Lortel nomination), Off-Off: Serenade. Regional: Guthrie, Little House on the Prairie; Center Theater Group, Sleeping Beauty Wakes (Los Angeles Ovation Award); London: Blood Drive. Residencies, fellowships, and commissions include: Eugene O'Neill National Theater Center, Baryshnikov Dance Foundation, MacDowell Colony, Manhattan Theatre Club, Deaf West, McCarter Theatre, Playwrights Horizons. Rachel is a volunteer mentor for TDF's Open Doors program, a visiting instructor at Yale School of Drama, and adjunct faculty member of NYU's graduate musical theater writing program.

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