Pronouncer: ​​The word is BEE.

 

Competitor: ​​Can I have the definition please?

 

Pronouncer: ​A black and yellow flying insect that can sting. Bees live in large groups and make honey.

 

Competitor​​: Can I have an alternate definition please?

 

Pronouncer​: A meeting in a group where people combine work, competition, and pleasure.

 

Competitor​​: Can you use it in a sentence please?

 

Pronouncer​: To prepare for a National Spelling Bee, students will study 1-2 hours daily for a year to learn around 4,000 words.

 

Competitor: ​​Bee. B-E-E. Bee

 

Pronouncer: ​​That is correct.

 

    This musical touches a chord with many people for its parody of the seriousness of Spelling Bees. Humor is at its best when based in truth. The creators of Spelling Bee use facts and real-world examples to mime the humor found in the near life or death stakes kids, parents, and Bee alums immerse themselves in. Whether or not you have ever participated in a Bee, we can all connect with the awkwardness of youth, the parental (and self) pressures to excel, the need to fit in, and the wins and losses that growing up entails. These shared experiences and memories fuel our voyeuristic thrill of watching these young characters struggle, thrive, fail, and grow.

 

   As a director in an educational environment, it is my great pleasure/pain/angst/joy to take the cast on a similar journey of struggle/thrive/fail/grow. It’s my honor to cultivate the professional theatre artists of tomorrow. This young cast is exceptional and I’m very proud of them.

 

   The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee opened Off-Broadway at the Second Stage Theatre in New York City officially on February 7, 2005, and closed on March 20, 2005.The production won several awards, among them the 2005 Lucille Lortel for Outstanding Musical, and the 2005 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance.

-Lynn Mcnutt

Olivia Beebe (Olive Ostrovsky) is a graduating senior in the BFA Musical Theater Program. Some of her favorite credits include Spring Awakening (Anna / fight captain), A Chorus Line (Bebe), Wonder of the World (Cass), Violet (Young Violet), The Wolves (#2), Chicago (Velma Kelly), and Into the Woods (Cinderella). Olivia would like to thank her teachers, her dear friends, and her family for making her time at FAU multifarious, eudemonic, and indelible. Leaving will be agathokakological <3

Sarah Sun Park+ (Marcy Park) is living her best life playing Marcy! Credits include North Carolina Theatre’s Broadway production of Mamma Mia! , Berkshire Theatre Group’s Hair , and the World Premiere of Oscar Nominated Michael Weller's play A Welcome Guest at the Contemporary American Theater Festival. Sarah gives thanks to Jesus, her family, and the Love of Her Life André for their beautiful love and support! BFA NYU “...and do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 @sarah_sun_park sarahsunpark.com

R. Owen Alonso (Leaf Coneybear) is a junior at FAU double-majoring in Theater Studies and Film, Video, & New Media. He is making his debut on the FAU stage in Putnam. He previously performed during secondary school in theater productions of HONK!, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and Be More Chill before taking a break from theater. He couldn’t be happier, though, to return to the stage and be able to gain new connections and amazing experiences.

Alexander Athanasiou ( Chip Tolentino ) is a BA Theatre student at FAU. You may have seen him as Josh in FAU's production of 9 to 5 . This is his second semester at FAU, and he's so thrilled to join the pandemonium. More can be found here: Linktr.ee/alexanderathanasiou.

Paisley Kinkade (Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere) is a freshman in the BFA in Musical Theatre program. She recently graduated from West Boca Raton Community High School where you may have recently seen her in 1776 , or in Grease . Paisley is so excited to be in her first Mainstage production at FAU! She’s very thankful for all the important people in her life. Paisley hopes you enjoy the show, and buzz buzz BUZZ buzz like a spelling bee!

Raymond Adderly (William Barfee) is a sophomore at FAU who recently became a BA Theatre student. He is very excited to be making his FAU Theatre and Dance debut. His recent credits include: Spring Awakening (Georg/ Associate Director), Pastry Village (Huckleberry Knight), The Legacy of Oz (The Lion), and Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour Krelborn). He would like to thank his girlfriend, friends and family for their unwavering support!

Hunter Denton (Rona Lisa Perretti) is a junior at FAU having transferred from UCF. She has been in shows such as Chicago at the Doctor Phillips Center, and The Wild Party at Valencia College. She has also performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as a solo artist, winning first place in their international singing competition of Musical Theatre. She wants to thank her siblings and father for all the love and support.

Eryk Dewire (Mitch Mohoney) is very excited to be a part of FAU’s rendition of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He has previously worked with FAU on the musical Violet , in which he played Billy Dean/Ensemble. In his spare time, he works as a scenic carpenter, building intricate sets for local theaters and schools. He hopes you enjoy the musical!

Connor Lee (Vice Principal D. Panch, Male Understudy) is a graduating senior in the BFA in Musical Theatre program. FAU credits include shows such as 9 to 5, The Lady from the Sea, A Chorus Line, Dances We Dance, Neighborhood 3, Richard III, Lady Windermere’s Fan, as well as APO’s Wonder of the World. He hopes you all enjoy the pandemonium of this Spelling Bee!

Marissa Spurr (Female Understudy) is a freshman BFA in Musical Theatre major and is thrilled to be a part of her third production at FAU. She was seen in Lady from the Sea as a tourist and understudy to Hilde, as well as Dance Captain and an ensemble member in 9 to 5 . Previous credits also include "Cosette" in Les Misérables and "Rusty" in Footloose. She hopes you enjoy the show!

 

Anna-Teressa Soto-Andujar (Stage Manager) is in her fourth and final year of university, graduating this summer with a BA in Theater and a double minor in Film/Video and Photography. Last semester she was Assistant Stage Manager for FAU’s Lady From The Sea and Wardrobe Supervisor for FAU’s show 9 to 5. She has also worked with Broadway Company Aurora Productions as their Wardrobe Supervisor for The Tempest. She thanks her love, her family, and her amazing teachers.

Toni Turiano (Asst. Stage Manager) is a third-year BFA Musical Theatre major. Favorite credits include: Roz Keith in 9 to 5, Janie and Others in Wonder of the World, The Drowsy Chaperone in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Medda Larkin in Newsies. Toni also writes sketch comedy, teaches improv and is the President of Alpha Psi Omega. She has done The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee twice. Third times a charm!

Natalia Aguirre (Follow Spot) is in her sophomore year at FAU. She is a communications major and a FAU Theatre and Dance Department minor. She's thrilled to be crewing her first show with the department and wishes the cast the best. She would also like to thank her family and friends for supporting her in her academic journey.

Nuelle Saunders (Dresser) is a third year student in the BFA Musical Theatre Program here at FAU. This will be her first show crewing for FAU. Some other credits include A Chorus Line (Maggie Winslow), Spring Awakening (Anna u/s, ensemble), Little Women (Jo March). She is so excited to see her all wonderful friends shine bright tonight!

Tina Daughtry (Crew) is a super senior at Florida Atlantic. She will be graduating this semester with a communications and theater degree. Her most recent shows include Florida Atlantic's production of 9 to 5 the musical and Oklahoma at the Lake Worth Playhouse. Tina's focus is comedy, from directing to producing to acting. Tina has had an amazing college career and is honored to say it was at Florida Atlantic.

Morgan Elaine (Head Carpenter) is a current senior in the BFA Musical Theater program. She is thrilled to be doing her senior capstone working in the scene shop. She would like to give a special shoutout to her family as well as the school for giving her the opportunity to be involved on and off the stage. She hopes you enjoy the show, especially the scenery!

Hallie Ely (Sound Board Operator) is new to the tech world and has previously done performances such as the ballet Nutcracker, A Midsummer Night's Dream, as well as some musical performances like Guys and Dolls, Descendants, and The Little Mermaid. She has always been a huge dancer and can't wait to expand her capabilities and skills!

Elysa Belongie (Scenic Charge) is in her fourth semester at FAU. She is studying design technology with a focus in scenic design and scenic paint. Last semester she was a scenic painter for Lady from the Sea and 9 to 5, This semester she takes on her first show as a scenic charge. She thanks her professors for the opportunity, and skills to grow. She also sends her love to her family and friends. 

Amalia Phend (Hair/Makeup) is a second-year student in the BFA Theatre Design and Technology program. You may have seen Amalia’s work this past semester, as Costume Designer for BUTC’s Spring Awakening. Enjoy the show!

Trevor Gill (Engineer) is a BFA Performance Acting major, and this is his fourth semester at FAU. He has been seen as "SKINHEADboy" in Polaroid Stories, and a tourist in The Lady from the Sea. He has also crewed many shows here at FAU, and is looking forward to being the electrician for the current season!

Alen Rosier (Sound Board Operator) is a junior year in the BFA Design/Tech program. He has an interest with lights and focuses on that side of tech, however he does dabble in the sound field. He hopes you all enjoy. The 25 ^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!

Daniella Dara Coby (Asst. Choreographer, Stitcher) is a senior BFA in Musical Theatre Performance major with a minor in Dance. Daniella loves singing, teaching dance, and creating content on YouTube and TikTok. You have seen Daniella in recent semesters as Almeta in Violet, a dancer in Nutcracked and RDTE, Vicki/Chelsea in Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, Lara in A Chorus Line, Thea in Spring Awakening, and Missy in 9 to 5.