Hosting its fourth Annual Winter Musical, Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls will present three performances of the acclaimed Broadway comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” The performances will be held at the Ma’ayanot Performing Arts Center on Thursday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 22 at 2:30 p.m.. The performances are for women only with a livestream option for men in an adjacent room.
For the past 14 years, Matt Okin, well-known director of Black Box Studios, has been directing Ma’ayanot’s spring productions. Three years ago the Drama Society added a Winter Musical to their repertoire. Okin serves as producer of the Winter Musicals together with musical director of the initial two musicals, “Into the Woods” and “Matilda,” and now “Spelling Bee,” Ilana Schimmel of Black Box.
Schimmel is a New Jersey/New York actor and teaching artist whose mission is to encourage students to connect and trust one another as they explore what it means to be an ensemble, all while developing their musical theater and improvisational skills. She joined Black Box in 2019 after graduating from Montclair State College with a degree in theater. She has been involved in many aspects of productions including the technical and acting sides. Of the Ma’ayanot troupe she said: “They are delightful and hungry to act. One of my main goals for them is collaboration and the confidence to discover what roles are best for each of them.”
The Ma’ayanot Drama Society’s student director is senior Sophie Fine joined by apprentice student director, junior Adina Goldstein.The production’s stage manager is senior Abby Berenholz. The cast features talent representing all four grades as does the behind-the scenes tech and design team. This year’s cast includes a majority of freshman students, which bodes well for the continuity of the cast for the next three productions.
Special this year is the involvement of Broadway, film and television veteran Danielle Ferland, who is working closely with the group as a teaching artist. Meeting with the group weekly, Ferland shares her many years of professional acting and song interpretation during a lengthy career, begun at age 10. Currently Ferland teaches private acting and singing at her own studio and runs performance master classes for theater programs, colleges and universities. She has directed readings and workshops for several companies in the tri-state area, including Black Box.
Of her work with the Ma’ayanot crew, Ferland commented: “It has been a pleasure working with the Ma’ayanot High School Drama Society. They’re dedicated, brave and fully supportive of each other. They understand that putting on a show is not just about the individual but a group effort. Their enthusiasm is infectious. They really love the theater and embrace what it can mean to performers and audiences alike.”
This year’s production choice, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. An eclectic group of six youngsters vies for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their personal lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of “made-up” words, hoping never to hear the dreaded “ding” of the bell that signals a mistake. Six spellers enter. Only one leaves a champion! (At least the losers get a juice box.) Audience participation is encouraged. “Spelling Bee,” winner of Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, has been touted as “a riotous ride, a delightful den of comedic genius.”
The Ma’ayanot Performing Arts Center is located at 1650 Palisade Avenue in Teaneck. Tickets for the three productions, December 19-22 are $15 for General Admission and $10 for students.
The Eventbrite ticketing link is https://bit.ly/49xDGWLr or call 201-833-4307 for further information.
