The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

‘Spelling Bee’ musical onstage next weekend

Taste of Cincinnati expected  to draw 500,000 people
5:37 p.m.
Local ingredients key for bartender
5/16/12
How well do you know Kings Island?
5/13/12
Time cover shows mom breastfeeding 3-year-old
5/11/12
Lebanon Theatre Company presents ‘Angel Street’
5/11/12
> More headlines

By Erin Fischesser, Contributing writer 1:17 AM Sunday, February 5, 2012

HAMILTON — Theatergoers will be able to enjoy a coming-of-age story at the Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre’s third production of the 2011-12 season next weekend.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” follows six young people who each have a unique back story and come to reflect on who they are and why they are competing, according to producer Karen Buchanan. It also features audience participation: four volunteers will go onstage to spell and interact with characters.

“It’s almost like a coming- of-age story, where each of the actors mature and come to know themselves better,” Buchanan said.

She said the show features funny lines and lively music that will leave audience members singing after they leave the theater.

The play features a number of actors from the area, including two who are new to theater. Many of the actors, however, are familiar with the local theater circuit.

“Most are returning actors who do things in the Greater Cincinnati area as well as in Hamilton,” Buchanan said.

The cast includes Darin Art, Heather Barker, Joey Schnell, Scott Christian, Jennifer Drake, Ellen Guffey, Michelle Grove-Schaffer, Chris Spangler and Greg Shaffer. In addition to Buchanan, Teresa Bayer-Iltzsch and Mary St. John are producing the production, with vocal and musical direction by Jay Myers and choreography by Chris Beiser.

Director Adam Drake has directed a number of shows for the Hamilton Civic Theater, including last year’s production of “Leading Ladies.”

Buchanan said the group chose to perform “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” because it has been well received by audiences both on Broadway and at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati, in addition to the appeal of the fun of a musical comedy.

“It’s very touching but very humorous, too,” Buchanan said.

While the show may focus on adults who are cast as children, Buchanan warns that the play contains content that is not suitable for children.

“It’s a very, very fun show,” she said.

“The actors are really talented. It’s very cute.”

‘The 25th  Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’

When: 8 p.m. Feb. 9-11; 2 p.m. Feb. 12

Where: Parrish Auditorium at Miami University Hamilton, 1601 University Blvd.

Tickets: $16 adults, $15 seniors/students Call (512) 730-PLAY (7529).

Share this article