“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a musical comedy based on a fictional spelling bee at Putnam Valley middle school. Last week students brought the magic to SAR High School in their own rendition of “the Bee.” The students brilliantly and artistically brought the play’s six spelling bee contestants to life. In addition to the talented students, three adult characters conducted the event, providing comical descriptions of each contestant and snarky sentences that showed word usage. One of the highlights of the play was the incorporation of several surprise guests who were pulled from the audience to participate in the Bee. Principal Rabbi Tully Harcstark, TSBP Department Chair Rabbi Nati Helfgot and History Teacher Judith Ballan all proved to be excellent spellers. Each character displayed his and her own style, personality and level of competitive drive that was both entertaining and endearing. Based on the 2005 Broadway production, the play was shown to the community at large in February and to the students and faculty this past week. It was originally planned for December, but due to Covid, the premiere was pushed off to the new calendar year.
“I’ve been doing theater for a long time,” says Rachel Moerdler-Green of Riverdale, who played Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre. “I’ve done more than 16 shows and each one has helped me grow my love and passion for theater.” “Performing in ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ was the best experience I’ve ever had doing theater! As a freshman not knowing anyone, I was immediately accepted into the group. The cast was definitely the best part of the show, though performing it was super fun, I’ve made so many amazing new friends being part of the show!”
Sophomore Boaz Siegel from Manhattan, who played Olive’s dad, added, “The experience of working for many months towards the play was very rewarding and motivating. Spelling Bee is a very humorous show, so coming to rehearsal always brightened up my day. The actual performance of the show was so much fun. By that time, we were so familiar with all the jokes and the characters that finally being able to share them with the entire school was extremely satisfying.”
An added bonus: The students were allowed to perform the play without masks. “After two years of virtual performances, it was wonderful to work on a show that was in person, live and unmasked,” says Rabbi Kenny Birnbaum, musical director. ”I have a new appreciation and love for the magic of being together for a rehearsal and performances.”
Student director and stage manager senior Matt Siegel, from Teaneck, shared, “The musical was a really special experience for me and everyone involved. I feel like we all got very close as a cast which made the extensive process more enjoyable. I’m just really thankful to have been a part of it and look forward to my final show at SAR this spring!”
The Performing Arts Department is currently holding auditions for the spring play and encourages the SAR community as well as others to come see the show. Stay tuned!
