Artistic Synergy of Baltimore

From MTI Shows – “An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box. A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius.”

Directed by: Atticus Boidy

Music Directors: Rachel Sandler & Chris Pinder

 

Audition Dates:

Monday, December 17th: 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Wednesday, December 19th: 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Callbacks (if needed), Sunday, December 23rd: 1:30pm to 4:30pm

Come Prepared: Please prepare a song from the show. Tracks will be sent when you sign up for an audition slot. Video auditions will be accepted.

The audition will consist of your song, a possible cold read, and some improvisation. Dance will not be part of the audition, but be prepared to discuss your stage dance experience and any special skills.

All roles are open. 16 years old or older.

 

Sign Up for Audition Time Slot Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044cabaf22a6fd0-auditions

 

Cast of Characters:

Chip Tolentino – An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment. C4 – B5

Logainne Schwartzandgrunenierre (Schwartzy) – The youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. She is somewhat of a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and will be back next year. A3 – F5

Leaf Coneybear – The second runner- up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home- schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. He has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and spells words correctly while in a trance. A3 – A5

William Barfee – A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous “Magic Foot” method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory, even though he only has one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. He develops a crush on Olive. E4 – B5

Marcy Park – A recent transfer from Virginia, Marcy placed ninth in last year’s nationals. She speaks six languages, is a member of all- American hockey, a championship rugby player, plays Chopin and Mozart on multiple instruments, sleeps only three hours a night, hides in the bathroom cabinet, and is getting very tired of always winning. She is the poster child for the Over- Achieving Asian, and attends a Catholic school called “Our Lady of Intermittent Sorrows.” She is also not allowed to cry. C4 – E5

Olive Ostrovsky – A young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the bee. Having found comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition. She starts enormously shy, and shyly blossoms. B3 – F5

Rona Lisa Peretti – The number 1 realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children, but she can be very stern when it comes to dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her interest in the competition is unflagging and drives it forward. B3 – F5

Douglas Panch – The Vice Principle. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years’ absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. There was an “incident” at the Twentieth Annual Bee, but he claims to be in “a better place” now, thanks to a high- fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affections.

Mitch Mahoney – The Official Comfort Counselor. An ex- convict, Mitch is performing his community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He has no idea how to offer comfort, but does find himself wishing he could find a way to make the kids feel better. E4 – A5

Carl Dad – Schwarzy’s main trainer, the more intense and competitive of Schwarzy’s fathers. Normally played by actor playing Leaf. G3 – D5

Dan Dad – The more laid back and ineffectual of Schwarzy’s fathers. Normally played by the actor playing Mitch. G3 – D5

Jesus Christ – Deity invoked by a speller in need. Normally played by the act or playing Chip.

Leaf’s Mom, Dad, and Siblings – All more academically gifted than Leaf, they are even more surprised than he is by his success. Normally played by the spellers and audience volunteers as indicated in the script.

Olive’s Dad – A fantasy version of Olive’s dad coming to the bee from work. Normally played by the actor playing Mitch. E4 – B5

Olive’s Mom – A fantasy version of Olive’s mom at her Ashram in India. Normally played by the actor playing Rona. D4 – E5

 

Performance Dates:

Friday 3/1 and Saturday 3/2 at 8pm, Sunday 3/3 at 3pm

Friday 3/8 and Saturday 3/9 at 8pm, Sunday 3/10 at 3pm

 

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).  | Book by Rachel Sheinkin | Score by William Finn

 

For More Information:

Call – 410-833-5181

Email – ArtisticSynergyBaltimore@gmail.com

 

Artistic Synergy of Baltimore (www.Artistic-Synergy.com) is a not-for-profit community theater in residence at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8212 Philadelphia Road, Baltimore, MD 21237. non-union/non-paid.