Indiana Repertory Theatre’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee brings fresh faces, lots of laughs, high kicks, and lively energy to the stage. Every performance will be a little different, depending on volunteers who are brought onto the stage as part of the cast in the first half, and the improvisation between actors and non-actors. It can be awkward, funny, or confusing — just like middle schoolers trying their best to win a spelling bee.
Spellers Chip (Matheus Barbee), Logaine (Devan Mathias), Leaf (Dominique Lawson), William (Brett Mutter), Marcy (Ayana Strutz), and Olive (Ariana D. Burks), face off for the big day. Each has their own insecurities and level of emotional maturity. The cocky William Barfee (pronounced Barf-ay, thank you) is certain he’ll win — and afraid the world will collapse if he doesn’t. Leaf is exuberant and insecure, and Olive is extremely disciplined and an overachiever. The songs tie into their hopes and fears outside the spelling bee. Moderators Douglas Panch (Ryan Artzberger) and Rona Lisa Peretti (Michelle Lauto) are backed up by parolee “comfort counselor” Mitch Mahoney (RJ Griffith) who ushers those who are eliminated off the stage with a sympathetic push and juice box. Songs like “I Speak Six Languages,” “I’m Not That Smart,” “My Friend, the Dictionary,” and “The Champion” cleverly flesh out the characters, giving them depth and nuance.
Director and choreography Patdro Harris pulls the whole musical together with crisp efficiency tinged with a little bit of chaos.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is only the second musical the IRT has produced in 10 years. If you’re looking for an evening’s entertainment with lots of laughs, head on to the IRT. Tickets are available online at irtlive.com or by calling 317-635-5252. The show runs through Oct. 13.
