Overview
Synopsis
An eclectic group of sixth-graders arrives at the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, each eager to win for very different reasons. Sweet and shy Olive brings only her best friend (the dictionary) with her to the bee; bold and hyperallergic speller William Barfee uses his “magic foot” to propel him to greatness; former champion Chip is struggling with his burgeoning puberty; easily distracted Leaf is unconvinced that he’s smart enough to be a challenger; overachiever Marcy is disappointed by her consistent success; and politically aware Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre only wants to impress her gay dads. In hilarious, touching, and catchy songs, each speller reveals his/her hopes, struggles, and passions as they make their way through the competition. With an engaging, tuneful score by William Finn and a sweet, funny book by Rachel Sheinkin, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee causes audiences to fall in love, both with the show itself and its “perspicacious,” “jocular,” and “effervescent” spellers.
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Context
Originally inspired by a play called C-R-E-P-U-S-C-L-E produced by the improvisation company The Farm, of whom Wendy Wasserstein’s nanny, Sarah Saltzberg, was a member. Wasserstein was impressed by the production and introduced the team, including Saltzberg and creator Rebecca Feldman, to William Finn, believing that he could help them take the project to the next level. The collaboration was fruitful, and Finn, Feldman, and writer Rachel Sheinkin collaborated to create the full-length
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Rona Lisa Peretti, the moderator of the bee, enters the gymnasium to set up, and is quickly thrown back to her own Putnam County Spelling Bee experience, where she won with the word “syzygy.” The students begin to enter and, along with the four spellers who have been selected from the show’s audience, are welcomed by Ms. Peretti (“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”). Ms. Peretti pulls Olive Ostrovsky aside and tells her that she still owes the $25 fee for the bee. Olive reveals that
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Character Portrayals
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Songs
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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Key Terms
The complete text of an opera, musical, or other extended vocal work, including all spoken dialogue and lyrics. The libretto provides the dramatic structure and narrative arc, serving as a guide for both performers and directors to align story and music.
The written music for a theatrical or operatic work, including vocal and instrumental parts. The score is essential for rehearsals and performances.
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