The Hilltop Players continue their fabulous performance streak with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. What other show do you know that you hear a song about a boy’s unfortunate erection as he throws candy into the audience? The audience involvement in this musical was unlike anything I have ever seen, audience members themselves were included in the show as spelling bee contestants, and the audience was not just the audience for a musical in DPAC we were the audience for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
The actors were phenomenal and had the audience roaring with laughter one moment and moved to tears the next. Emma Fitzpatrick played Olive Ostrovsky, the perfect pick for this story’s unconventional heron. Emma’s voice brought a soulful jazz feel to the play when singing “Mamma Mamma Mamma I love you” I was compelled to call my mother on the spot and tell her how much I love her. Emma’s character Olive was easily friends with everyone competing in the spelling bee, and I myself felt drawn to her very likable friendly quality.
Anthony Gabrielle played William Barfee the mono-nostril breathing boy with the magic foot. Anthony did a fabulous job at keeping his voice in check the whole time. Anthony had to change from the nasally voice he had assigned his character to a deep booming voice that almost knocked me off my seat.
Lily Packer played Marcy Park the over achieving school girl who was bored of being the best at everything. Marcy’s transformation on stage allowed us to see the different sides of Lily as well. Lily has an infectious smile, so I’m glad her character became happy!
Kyle Torres played Chip Tolentino the Boy Scout who became a man at an unfortunate time. Kyle was a dynamic actor who is captivating to watch. He submerged into his character and found his inner dweeb.
Kyle Collins played Leaf Coneybear the adorable overly excitable homeschooler. Kyle’s energy was electric and amped up the crowd. He is to send the audience into stitches with a simple facial expression.
Marielle Sciore as Logainne Schwartzandgrubennierre the daughter of two very competitive fathers. Marielle played her role with confidence and tenacity. She was hands down the cutest thing with pigtails on the stage.
Tyler DeMoura played Mitch Mahoney the delinquent that loves hugs. As someone who personally knows Tyler I can assure you he is 100% a badass that has been imprisoned for multiple things including putting milk in before cereal, sending people snap chats that were also on his story, and annoying people named Corey. Tyler possesses the ability to make everything he says and does be the funniest thing. He has a universal comedy skill that he showed in the musical along with his AMAZING singing voice. His performance in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was a super send off for this crazy lovable super senior.
Cindy Nelson played Rona Lisa Peretti the cool judge. Cindy’s soprano voice brought a new life to the musical allowing them to reach all ranges. Besides her astounding singing abilities Cindy also did a great job portraying her character and seemed to be a perfect fit for the roll.
Joe Duda played Douglas Panch the uncool judge. Joe delivers again with his A+ acting skills and ability to rock a suit. Joe brought a beautiful voice and deadpan humor to the musical and though for most of it he sat behind a desk, he made himself known.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was made possible by director Rachel Lyon, producers Allie Card and Jesse Lawlor, music director Gina Iacoviello, stage managers Elyse Corbett and Isabella Guyton, and crew Sam Durrance, Nada Shaaban, and Tess Irving.
**The musical is available to watch April 22nd and April 23rd in DPAC.