The first theatrical performance of the year, the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, came to a close Nov. 5. After countless rehearsals to learn choreography, block scenes, memorize music, build sets, and organize costumes, the show finally got put together and performed.
“Spelling Bee went really well. There was a great turnout of audience members and they were fantastic and very energetic. Also, our guest spellers, many of which were students, staff, or administrators, were hilarious as well as great sports,” said Adam Pelberg, 10.
One detail about this particular production that truly engages the audience is the fact that the show calls for audience participation. For each show, there are “guest spellers” that stand onstage alongside the actors and attempt to spell seemingly impossible words.
The actual performance itself acts as a symbol of the cast’s progress, but the friendships created are a more lasting effect.
“Being in a cast with 17 people was such a unique experience, and we were able to get extremely close. It was also fun to make the show our own and watch it develop into an amazing production,” said London Brinkman, 10.
While the members of this cast may get a small break from the theatre, Aves Theatre as a whole can not rest since 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is only the first show of the season.
“As a member of the cast I can confidently say that I have never participated in a more successfully funny show in my life,” said Skye Haruyama, 10.