From Thursday, April 17, to Saturday, April 19, 2025, students from the Drama & Music Programs staged a dazzling production of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a musical about six quirky middle schoolers competing for the prestigious title of spelling champion.
A brilliant cast and crew of 17 students brought the show to life, alongside Social Science & Creative Arts Division faculty and staff: Director Chris Reber, Music Director Jude Navari, Technical Director Josh Harris, Accompanist Margaret Fondbertasse, and Program Services Coordinator Andy Murillo.
The show featured energetic choreography, vocal numbers both touching and hilarious, and a magic-foot-stomping score filled with a variety of musical theater styles from honky-tonk-tinged ragtime to inspirational power ballad with a touch of gospel and soul. The student cast was accompanied by a professional pit band featuring cello, woodwinds, drums, and synthesizer keyboards.
The set and effects, designed by Josh Harris, brought the cast from a mundane school gym into the realm of whimsy. The humor was quick and clever, sometimes pubescent, but also full of heart. Exciting and unpredictable moments of improv and audience interaction kept everyone on the edge of their seats – especially with free candy!
Article by Andy Murillo, Jude Navari and Lynette Caballero. Photos by Mei Lee.
