Spelling Bee Musical opens at Center for the Arts
Center for the Arts presents the Tony Award-winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, sponsored by Middle Tennessee State University running April 26 – May 5.
Come cheer on these unforgettable characters in this story of socially awkward adolescents who find both joy and heartache while vying for the regional spelling bee title. In the cast of 9 actors, the 6 ‘spellers’ include 3 MTSU students and 3 Belmont University students.
Director Rachel Jones, who previously directed the award-winning Heathers the Musical at the Center in 2018 and Ragtime in 2017, is excited for everyone to see this show. “Spelling Bee is so incredibly fun, and our cast is made up of the most amazing storytellers,” said Jones. “The talent level is outstanding, and we can’t wait to showcase this story on the CFTA stage. You don’t want to miss this show!”
Spelling Bee centers around six mid-pubescents portrayed by adults as they compete for the first place trophy and a $200 cash prize while dealing with personal dilemmas and sharing about their lives outside of the spelling bee. Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (Virginia Tipps, MTSU student), has two overbearing fathers that stress her out. Leaf Coneybear (Brooks Bennett, Belmont student), believes he’s dumb because that’s what his family always tells him. Olive Ostrovsky (Melissa Tormene, Belmont student), is shy and reserved as a result of her largely absent parents. William Barfée (Josh Smith, MTSU student) is extremely confident in his spelling abilities and uses an unusual technique to spell out words. Marcy Park (Tori Peterson, MTSU student) is a brilliant, overachieving contestant who is tired of always being good at everything. Chip Tolentino (Riley Henderson, Belmont student) is easily distracted by an attractive audience member which leads to an unfortunate circumstance.
The spelling bee tweens work their way through a series of words as they disclose hilarious and touching stories from their home lives and do everything they can to avoid hearing the dreaded “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter but only one speller wins! This musical, complete with audience members chosen to join the Spelling Bee, is a charming story of fun, heartbreak and triumph.
This interactive, fast-paced, and hilarious story set to music is all about learning that winning – and losing – isn’t everything.
Tickets start at $14 and are currently on sale at boroarts.org, by calling 615-904-ARTS (2787), or at the Center for the Arts Box Office, 110 West College Street, in downtown Murfreesboro.
**This production is rated PG-13 for scenes with sexual references and profanity.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs Friday, April 26 – Sunday, May 5.
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE PERFORMANCE DATES:
- Fridays – 7:30 pm
- Saturdays – 7:30 pm
- Sundays – 2:00 pm
TICKETS:
- Adult $18.00; Seniors (65+)/Students/Military: $16.00; Children: $14.00
- Discount of $2.00/ticket for groups of 10 or more. Call 615-904-2787 for group reservations.
FOR TICKETS & SEASON PASSES PLEASE VISIT BOROARTS.ORG OR CALL 615-904-2787.
ABOUT THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS:
The mission for the Center for the Arts, Inc. is to enhance the quality of our community by
providing a variety of arts and opportunities which will educate and entertain people of all
ethnicity, ages, and income levels. The Center for the Arts will advance art awareness through
quality theatrical productions, musical performances, art exhibits, educational programs, life-
long learning and community activities thus improving overall quality of life in our community.
The Center for the Arts opened to the public on December 1, 1995 and was originally funded by
the City of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County. In 2008 The Center became a non-profit 501
(c) 3 organization and now depends on the generosity of the public for funding. Since it’s
opening, the Center for the Arts has been presenting theatrical productions, visual art
exhibitions, music concerts, dance performances and educational classes.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Cast List:
- William Barfeé – Josh Smith
- Olive Ostrovsky – Melissa Tormene
- Logainne S. – Virginia Tipps
- Marcy Park – Tori Peterson
- Leaf Coneybear – Brooks Bennett
- Chip Tolentono – Riley Henderson
- Panch – Mark David Williams
- Rona Lisa Peretti – Ella Green
- Mitch Mahoney – Dylan Webster
