by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee isn't a local spelling bee. It's actually a musical about a spelling bee. Says cast member Kevin Smith Kirkwood, "The show is so funny, that people don't expect it to have as much heart as it has."
It's about growing up, competing, winning and losing. Adults actually play the adolescents, singing and spelling as they go. In many ways the show is an unabashed celebration of nerdiness and that awkward time between adulthood and childhood. The show takes about as much time as a typical action movie, so there's no intermission.
The play has somewhat humble beginnings, based on C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E, an original play by The Farm improv group in New York City. Spelling Bee had its world premiere production in July 2004 at Barrington Stage Company, Sheffield, MA. It officially opened Off-Broadway on February 7, 2005 at Second Stage Theatre, where it ran from January 11 through March 20, 2005. The show then moved to Broadway's Circle in the Square Theatre (where it continues its run), with previews beginning on April 15, 2005 and an official opening on May 2, 2005. It was so popular on Broadway that there are now three traveling shows.
One of the nights, local WJXT news anchor Bruce Hamilton will be participating in the action on stage. They ask for four volunteers from the audience, who enter into the bee as well. The actors must think on their feet and try to stump the audience contestants.
EU asked cast member Kevin Smith Kirkwood a few questions about the show, and his part in it.
EU: You have the part of Mitch Mahoney, that's the "Official Comfort Counselor." Can you tell me a little about the part?
Kevin Smith Kirkwood: The comfort counselor is the guy who gives the contestants a hug and a juice box as they are eliminated from the Spelling Bee. That's what they consider comfort. He's a young guy in his 20s; he's from the other side of the tracks than the spellers. He comes to the Bee with a bit of a chip on his shoulder and he's doing some community service…Throughout the course of the Bee he learns things about himself…He's got [that]…chip on his shoulder but he's also got a lot of humanity.
EU: I've heard that the show might not be for kids, that there's some language in it…
KSK: The beauty of the show is that it speaks to several generations. There are a few words that are a little…spicier than others…but they're few and far between. Most of the "adult" type jokes, are phrased in a clever way and oftentimes go over the heads of the children. It never crosses the line of vulgar or obscene, ever. Actually kids love the show.
EU: The show is very dynamic with some ad-libbing. Is it different every night?
KSK: It is different every night. As an element of surprise…[we have] the volunteer spellers from the audience. They come on stage and they get their own words [to spell] and get their crack at the microphone. Because of that the show changes every night…Sometimes they surprise us and we really have to try and stump them, because the show does have a plan…We know who the winner is…It ups the stakes for the audience to have someone from their midst up there.
EU: What message would you give to potential audience members?
KSK: Come prepared to laugh. Definitely come prepared to remember what it was like to be an adolescent and have some fun!
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be performed at the Times-Union Center's Moran Theater Friday, December 21st through Sunday, December 23rd. Tickets range in price from $26.00 - $61.00, plus applicable service charge. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more by calling 904-632-3228. This program is recommended for ages 12 and older.
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