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Moderator Rona Lia Peretti (AshleyWillsey) tells us in the opening moments that SYZYGY is the word that won her the championship many years ago.
Each of the middle school contestants, all played by adults, is quirky in his or her own way. One traces out the word by using his foot. Another associates the word with a political event or person. The returning champion has puberty confounding his concentration. A loner declares that the dictionary is her only friend.
Timing, acting, and singing are all excellent and a tribute to Artistic Director David Clevinger’s ability to draw the right people to the right part. The students are played by Jacob Baltunis, Astrid Gonzalez, John Gracey, Katelyn Long, Car;u Slubik, and Sage Starkey. The pleasant surprise is that newcomers Baltunis and Long were able to match the veterans and even at points out perform them.
Ashley Willsey gives the overall most polished performance.
Now SYZYGY sounds like a proper word for a spelling bee, but COW??? Three other contestants who faced early elimination were selected from the audience (as in the Broadway show). The neophytes are handled by adlibbing Vice Principal played by Jeff Lindberg aided by Willsey. Jonathan Olson plays the grief counselor who is on work release.
The stage set is spare and depicts a school gymnasium, a step down from expectations. While the basketball was present the basket and back board are missing. Sound is not a problem as all actors are on microphones. Music behind the upstage scrim is excellent.
“…Spelling Bee” is a cute, funny musical show with characters the audience may be able to identify with. Top casting and near flawless performance earns another Must-See rating for Bay Street.
The musical plays through February 26. Call 357-7777 for information or reservations. Details can be found by clicking on icon on the left.
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