BWW Reviews: La Mirada County SPELLING BEE

Talk about quirkiness and how it can be used to its best advantage in a musical! The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is terribly funny in a rather intelligent and offbeat manner with prize worthy characterizations of lively eclectic people. It may be a tad too long like the actual spelling out of words (that are not to be believed!)opening segment - loved the audience involvement, though! Nevertheless, the unpredictability in denouement is another plus.

And this cast is a wonder. Under Jeff Maynard's fast-paced direction, Daniel Tatar as 'Magic Foot" Barfee, Cassie Silva as Schwartzandgrubenierre (this lady totally immerses herself into the character), Shanon Mari Mills as Olive, Brett Ryback as Coneybear, Lana McKissack as Marcy Park and Tom Zohar as Tolentino make an unforgettable team. Laura Griffith as MC Rona Peretti sings beautifully and Jason Graae as Vice Principal Panch shakes it all up with his hilariously deadpan 'word.used.in.a.sentence' readings and overly energetic dancing. Melvin Abston completes the terrif ensemble as Mitch Mahoney whose juice and hug sure go a long way to make an unpleasant exit smooth.

William Finn's music is up and pleasing with "The I Love You Song" the most memorably lilting and meaningful. David O's musical direction and DJ Grey's choreography are top-notch.

We can all relate to at least one of these kids in their awkward moments of competition, and if not, well, at least we can laugh...aplenty!

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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, with book by Rachel Sheinkin; music & lyrics by William Finn, and directed by Jeff Maynard, plays La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and runs through February 21, 2010. For more information, visit www.lamiradatheatre.com.

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