The 25th annual putnam county spelling bee

Produced by The Players Theatre Company, Conroe, TX

Directed by Marieda Kilgore
Music Direction by Robert Lewis

Background

I worked intermittently with The Players Theatre Company of Conroe, TX from 2015 to 2019. This was the sixth show I directed with them and the first with director Marieda Kilgore. We later reunited for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers later this year.

About the Show

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee tells the story of a middle school spelling bee. Run by three quirky adults, the group of six misfit students reflect on life, belonging, struggle, and young love. In the meantime, they also try to win the highest accolade they can think of: a chance to compete at the national spelling bee.

The show contains a book by Rachel Sheinkin, based on a concept by Rebecca Feldman. The music and lyrics are by William Finn.

My Work

This show was an exciting opportunity in three ways. First, it was a chance to return to a show that I have directed before, but this time in a community setting. Second, it was my first time working with Marieda. And third, it was my first opportunity to build a show with orchestra from the ground up.

• We cast a diverse group of 10 adults to play the roles of the spellers and adults. We added one extra performer beyond the minimum.

• I led music rehearsals and accompanied staging rehearsals from the keyboard. I enjoyed returning to this score, which is one of my favorites to play.

• I recruited and led the orchestra of two players in addition to myself. My friend John Paddie joined us on the drums and Aaron Martinez played the reed book. I also added a few synthesizer colors for certain songs.