Thursday, December 7, through Saturday, December 16
The Black Box Theatre, 1623 Fifth Avenue, Moline IL
Described by the New York Times as “effortlessly endearing” and by Variety magazine as “enormously satisfying,” The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee closes the Black Box Theatre's debut season, demonstrating why composer William Finn's celebrated 2005 musical comedy received two Tony Awards and enjoyed a Broadway run of 1,136 performances.
Finn's acclaimed show focuses on an eclectic group of sixth-graders, each eager to win their local bee. Sweet and shy Olive brings her best friend – the dictionary – to watch her compete; bold and hyper-allergic William Barfée uses his “magic foot” to propel him to greatness; former champion Chip struggles with his burgeoning puberty; easily distracted Leaf is unconvinced that he’s smart enough to be a challenger; overachiever Marcy is disappointed by her constant successes; and politically aware Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre only wants to impress her gay dads. In hilarious, touching, and catchy songs – and alongside a great deal of improvisation and audience participation – the youthful spellers reveal their hopes, struggles, and passions as they make their way through the competition.
Directing the Black Box's production is Becca Meumann Johnson, who played Lucy in the venue's You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and directed its summer musical I Love You Because. And portraying Spelling Bee's students and faculty advisers is a nine-person cast of area talents: Kelci Eaton, Benjamin Graham, Kathryn Elizabeth Jecklin, McKenzie Lofgren, Leslie Munson, Christopher Tracy, Cydney Weitzel, Daniel Williams, and Keenen Wilson.
The 25th Annual Putnam Cunty Spelling Bee runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m., and tickets are $16 for all performances. For more information and to reserve, call (563)284-2350 or visit TheBlackBoxTheatre.com.
