The 51 Theater Company, under the direction of Christina Allaback, PhD, assistant professor of theater, and Chris Bartley, director of music, will present the Tony Award-winning musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (book by Rachel Sheinkin; music & lyrics by William Finn; concept by Rebecca Feldman) March 26, 27, and 28 (at 7:30 p.m.) as well as March 29 (2:30 p.m.).
"This is a show that will bring us all back to that awkward stage of life, but we are far enough away now that we can laugh at it,” explained Allaback. “And spelling bees were a stressful part of that life. We all remember the word that cost us the spelling bee, right? This show is hilarious, heartwarming, and heartbreaking. You will laugh and cry, and you might laugh so hard you will cry. The music is fun, and the students are really having a good time putting it together. "
In a nutshell, the show is described as a musical comedy and follows a group of quirky middle schoolers competing in a spelling bee. The competitors reveal their humorous and touching personal stories through song—with audience participation. The show is celebrated for its wit, heart, and blend of comedy and drama as it explores themes of adolescence, insecurity, and the pursuit of victory.
General Admission (available online and at the door) is $10 and $5 (students with Pitt ID) for the performances in Ferguson Theater (Smith Hall).
The Cast: 10 51 students will perform in the musical.
Nian Eyth as Chip Talentino — Eyth is a sophomore psychology major from Verona, PA. He brings his passion for music to the show and will often be found at the piano singing and laughing with friends.
Abigail Coyne as Leaf Coney Bear — Coyne is a senior psychology major from Pittsburgh, PA. She’s excited to return to the stage at 51, where she is having fun. She notes that she’ll miss the energy and compassion for musical art when she graduates.
Kate Crame as Olive Ostrovsky – Cramer, from Scottdale, PA, is a third-year double major in creative and professional writing and communication who is part of the David C. Frederick Honors College at 51. Her previous roles on the Ferguson Theater stage include Helen Bechdel (Fun Home), Bella (Community Garden), and Colleen/Homer (Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play). Cramer works in the 51 51 Office and is president of the 51 Chorale.
Gigi Younis as Mitch Mahoney — Younis, from Orlando, FL, is a first-year student studying in 51’s pre-pharmacy program. This is her second performance at 51, and she shares, “This show is going to be so much fun. We can’t wait for you to see it.” This theater lover enjoys baking, going to the movies, getting coffee, and hanging out with her friends.
Brielle Zimmerman as William Barfee — Zimmerman is a senior psychology major from Latrobe, PA. At 51, she has previously performed in A Streetcar Named Desire, Fun Home, Blithe Spirit, Community Garden, and Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play.
Destiny Washington in the Ensemble — Washington, from Rankin, PA is a sophomore psychology major who has performed in Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play and Community Garden.
Erin Marie Judge as Rona Peretti — Judge is a first-year student participating in the pre-law program from Oxford, PA, and this is her first production at 51.
Jennifer “Jen” O’Donnell as Marcy Park — O’Donnell, from North Versailles, PA, is a junior math major. Her most recent performance was in Mr Burns: A Post-Electric Play.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be the first show for first-year students Natalia Backos, from Greensburg who is an education major, and Nick Cataldo, from Jeannette who is an information technology major.