Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller

Hold onto your seats – you’re in for a wild ride in attempting to keep up with the wacky and weirdly propelled students in this unconventional spelling bee. Village Theatre’s stage is filled with raucous, rollicking antics as each contestant of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” vies for the coveted trophy to be awarded to the last-student-standing. 

It’s easy to fall in love with each of the eccentric characters as they divulge and act out their greatest joys and fears around qualifying for their local spelling bee.  Likewise, it’s easy to be pulled into the fray as students strategize and agonize over every word (well, mostly!) they’re required to dissect and recite for their oft challenged judges.

While Chip Tolentino (played by Justin Huertas) excels in pandemonium, his fellow contestants are equally creative, zany, and no less crazed. Do read the bios and watch closely – each and every actor transcends expectations in portraying his/her characters’ quirky personality. This “Spelling Bee” is one you definitely want on your calendar – not to be missed!

Tickets are available for”The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at Issaquah’s Village Theatre now through October 20th, and Everett Performing Arts Center from October 27th through November 17th, 2019.

Tickets and more info, here.

Photo by Mark Kitaoka