**** On the way to the Copley Theatre in Aurora, driving very slowly through the big storm of March, 2025, I thought about the number of times I have watched a production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and the number of actors I have seen take on some of the juiciest roles an actor can do. Wow! I would have to say that I have seen over 40  performances and many of those actors who started in this play, have become Chicago theater legends.

With a book by Rachel Sheinkin and music and lyrics by William Finn, as conceived by Rebecca Feldman, The “Bee” is a fun show that allows several performers to shine with their solos while at the same time tell a story about competition. Now that we are in the world of AI and computer science, very seldom do we get the chance to truly compete with the exception of sporting events. The spelling bee was always important in grade school, and even now, I think my grandkids always try to beat the others. Under the clever direction of Stephen Schellhardt on a set designed by  Lauren M. Nichols, the Copley Theatre in Aurora has been converted to a grammar school gymnasium, where we watch the special event take place.

Upon arriving to the theater, many audience members will agree to go onstage ( if invited) and be part of the show. Depending on the people selected and how the show is moving along, they may make it through the entire first act, never leaving the stage. The five people brought on tonight had a ball. If you are up to being a part of the show, take your chances and sign up. Once the show begins, and we find ourselves at the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, we get to meet our hostess Rona Lisa Paretti ( a powerful performance by Veronica Garza) who herself was a previous winner and Vice Principal Parch (  deftly handled by Jason Richards). They are the adults along with the maintenance man Mitch Mahoney ( a wonderful performance by Napthali Curry, who also handles two other roles).

Not to confuse you, but as we meet each of the spellers, from time to time, we also meet others in their lives, who are portrayed by other spellers, so there is a need to pay attention. The spellers are played by Ben Broughton (Coneybear), Chip Tolentino (  Nic Dantes, who also plays Jesus Christ), Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere ( Ann Delaney), William Barfee ( an incredible performance by Teddy Gales),, Olive Ostrovsky ( Elizabeth Stenholt) and last but not least, Marcy Park ( Shelbi Voss).

The songs are delicious and the musicians are never overpowering. Each performer/speller has their own specialty number making the show much more personable. Chip (Dantes) has a number that opens up the second act that is quite hilarious ( and very adult) as he was a loser in the first act and now, because of his “problem” he is forced to sell concessions, rather than compete. Barfee ( pronounced BARFAY) finds himself falling for his competitor as he reaches for the title and his way of spelling with his foot is quite fun to watch.

On the tech side, this is a standout production. Schellhardt’s direction is sublime, Danileson’s music direction, perfect and Morgan DiFonzo’s choreography ( limited as it is) superb. The costumes (Theresa Ham), lighting (G. “Max”  Maxin IV), sound ( Adam Rosenthal) and props (Aimee Plant) were all right on! Every detail was handled to perfection. That is what we have learned to expect in Aurora when it comes to theater, and they never let us down!

When they are eliminated, they do get a booby prize and a juice box ( even the audience participants) making for a fun evening of theater, music and lots of merriment. If you don’t enjoy this one, you need to make a doctor’s appointment. Spell entertainment! Copley Theatre, Aurora!

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will continue thru – Apr 27th with  performances as follows: