Lab! Theatre enters ‘Putnam County Spelling Bee’

S-U-C-C-E-S-S. That’s what the Lab! Theatre’s latest production, supported by the Department of Dramatic Art, hopes to spell.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” opens at 8:15 p.m. today in the Elizabeth Price Kenan Theatre with a public gala following the show. Performances will run through Tuesday night.

Although the shows are free, those interested can stop by the box office for a ticket before each performances.

The 90-minute show is the first musical from Lab! in three years, said Erin Hanehan, the show’s director.

Most company actors have a background in both music and theater, but performers come from a variety of majors, not exclusively music or drama.

“People who don’t typically like musicals would enjoy this,” Hanehan said. “It’s easy to swallow.”

Lab! officials said they think the show will have a good turnout based on the musical’s popularity on Broadway and in a national tour.

The play was conceived by Rebecca Feldman with music and lyrics by William Finn and book by Rachel Sheinkin.

The story follows six middle school students during their participation in a spelling bee.

Improvisation makes each showing unique for the audience as well as the actors. The vice principal and host characters are mostly unscripted.

Characters also interact with audience volunteers.

“I want the audience to leave feeling they don’t know what was scripted and what wasn’t,” Hanehan said. “I’ve encouraged the actors to surprise themselves in rehearsal.”

UNC student Phil Denny serves as musical director for the show, and the cast has had extensive rehearsals to practice their songs.

Hanehan said the actors have had less than a week working with the orchestra, directed by Daniel Stellini.

Stephen Ashley, the publicity coordinator for the Department of Dramatic Art, said he was excited about the buzz around campus.

“This is a really great opportunity to see quality theater for free,” Ashley said.



Contact the Arts Editor at artsdesk@unc.edu.