Theater review: A peppy 'Putnam County Spelling Bee' is a winner at Kennedy Center
The spelling bee can be a nerve-racking experience for both the young contestants and the audience, but it can also spin into comedic gold when put to song and dance.
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," a musical about six tweens navigating life and competition, is going for guffaws and hearts at the Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theater. As part of the Broadway Center Stage series, where shows are given limited time to get it together, this well-polished production is brimming with irrepressible energy.
With music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin, the quirky contestants are feeling the pressure — some from their parents — as they're hit with the most complex to ridiculously easy words ("cow," for example). One poor character keeps getting names for South American rodents.
Vying for the big trophy and the $200 savings bond from Putnam Optometrists are laid-back Leaf, high-strung former champ Chip, shy and quiet Olive, over-achieving Marcy, spunky activist Logainne and allergic know-it-all William Barfée (don't you dare forget the accent). And the adults in the show aren't far off, coming with their own eccentricities. The bee is moderated by former winner Rona Lisa Peretti, one of Putnam's top realtors, with assistance from an infatuated Vice Principal Douglas Panch who's back after a long hiatus due to an incident. Rounding out the group is the grounded comfort counselor Mitch Mahoney, who escorts eliminated contestants with a juicebox offstage ("I need a job," he tells us).
As each of the spellers steps up to the microphone, Rona shares interesting tidbits and notes any unique spelling style. William, who spells with his "magic foot," has a rare mucus membrane disorder and a sea anemone circus in his basement. Leaf, who's called to the bee after the first two are at a bat mitzvah, falls into a possessed trance whenever he starts spelling. The youngest, Logainne is the head of her elementary school's Gay-Straight Alliance and freely voices her concerns over banned books (like "The Feminine Mystique") and canceled drag brunches.
Wonderfully directed and choreographed by Danny Mefford, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is swiftly paced and stacked with talent from stage and screen. The perfectly cast ensemble features Beanie Feldstein, Kevin McHale, Alex Joseph Grayson, Noah Galvin, Philippe Arroyo, Leana Rae Concepcion, Nina White, Taran Killam and Tony Award winner Bonnie Milligan. After catching New York City Center's "Titanic" revival earlier this year, it was exciting to see Grayson and Milligan sharing the same stage again. Chills can certainly be felt during "The I Love You Song," a stirring fantasy number sung by White's Olive and her two largely absent parents (Grayson and Milligan). In a show consumed by relentless zingers and silliness, it's a tender and beautiful moment about a young girl longing for love from her parents.
This star-studded cast scores high marks with outsized performances, amplifying the awkwardness and emotions of this diverse bunch of characters.
In his theatrical debut, McHale is a scene-stealer as the overly confident speller William, with his razor-sharp persona and cold responses to both kids and adults. It's surprising that the "Glee" actor hasn't taken the stage before — hopefully there will be more to come. McHale dazzles in the musical number "Magic Foot," performing with panache along with the ensemble. Additionally, Feldstein is an absolute joy to watch as the spunky Logainne ("I'm 10!"), who sports an adorable lisp. And Galvin is hysterical as the dim-witted and happy-go-lucky homeschooler Leaf, who's been thrust into the spelling bee spotlight.
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is a crowd-pleaser and a rare show where the crowd is pulled into the action. Four members of the audience are typically called to the stage, and opening night's lucky contestants included "How I Met Your Mother" star Cobie Smulders (married to Killam) and beloved D.C. chef Carla Hall (whose bubbly personality fit in with the "kids"). Another fun touch: having everyone stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and a stretch break. Scenic designer Paul Tate dePoo III is behind the vibrant middle school gymnasium setting.
Running one hour and 45 minutes with nonstop laughs, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is a surefire winner.
