Teen misfits spell way to acceptance in PJC musical
Published or Revised November 07, 2011
At a recent dress rehearsal, PJC student Trenton Little (Leaf Coneybear) turns from the action as Kristin Smith (Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre) and Stephanie Goudy (Olive Ostrovsky) sing at each other as Taylor Jackson (Marcy Park) and Jonathan Robinson (Chip Tolentino) look on.
A raucous look at teen angst is on tap this weekend and next with the Paris Junior College production of "The 25 Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" musical in the Ray Karrer Theater.
"How can you not help but laugh with names like 'Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre' and words like 'boanthropy' – meaning the delusion that one is an ox," asked PJC drama instructor William Walker. "This is a humorous rendering of teenage misfits seeking, and finding, acceptance and self-esteem."
The musical portrays six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, who learn that winning isn't everything and losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser. This hilarious tale of overachievers' angst chronicles the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. The show's Tony Award-winning creative team created a hit musical about the unlikeliest of heroes: quirky yet charming outsiders where a spelling bee is the one place they can stand out and fit in at the same time.
As part of the fun, each performance will feature the selection of four random audience members to participate in the spelling bee onstage.
"Our students have been refining their singing and dancing," Walker said, "including several days working with a Houston-area choreographer, Aimee Small, so they can deliver a great performance for you. We hope you'll come and enjoy it."
Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m., Nov. 11 and 12, and 18 and 19, and 2 p.m. Sunday afternoons, Nov. 13 and 20. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for young adults aged 13-16, and free with PJC ID. Parental discretion is advised due to young adult themes. For more information or reservations, call 903-782-0488.
Cast
Spelling Bee Spellers: Jonathan Robinson as Chip Tolentino; Trenton Little as Leaf Coneybear; Ryan Box as William Barfee; Kristin Rani Smith as Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre (Schwartzy); Taylor Jackson as Marcy Park; and Stephanie Goudy as Olive Ostrovsky.
Adults: Jordan Carter as Mitch Mahoney; Hayden Colbert as Douglas Panch; Monica Shackelford as Rona Lisa Peretti; Edward Kelley as Male Extra 1; Matt Austin as Male Extra 2; Derrick Waugh as Male Extra 3; Kathryn Comer as Female Extra 1; and Melissa Fox as Female Extra 2.
Crew
Stage Manager, Kevin Calhoun; Assistant Stage Manager, Devin Norwood; Sound Board Operator, Nicolin Pashe; and Spot Operators, Katheryn Comer and Derick Waugh.
