Compass Rose Theater To Add VIPs to its Spring Show, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
Compass Rose Theater, an award-winning and critically acclaimed professional theater, and educational nonprofit in Annapolis, today announced the cast and artistic team for its upcoming production. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee features Beth Amann as Rona Lisa, Cera Baker as Marcy, Lila Cooper as Olive, Stephen Emery as Barfee, Preston Grover as Chip, Taylor Litofsky as Logainnne, B.J. Robertson as Mitch, Omar Said as Panch, Sam Slottow as Leaf, Lean Freeman as Marcy/Logainne understudy (US), Adam Kindley as Chip/Leaf US, Kelly Mok as Barfee/Panch US, and Shelby Young as Rona/Olive US. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vies for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life-un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Audience participation and the possibility of some notable familiar faces make every performance a uniquely entertaining experience.
“You will never see the same show twice because audience members we may recognize will join the cast on stage and flex their spelling skills, all in fun,” said Barbara Webber, Executive Director of Compass Rose Theater. “The combination of highly skilled professionals on stage and behind the scenes, along with brave audience members, will make for a laughter-filled entertaining show.”
VIP spellers will include Jackie Coleman, Executive Director of Maryland Hall, Ryan Sneddon, publisher of the Naptown Scoop, other recognizable community leaders, and spontaneously called audience members.
“We look forward to bringing this bright, boisterous, and quirky musical to the Compass Rose stage. Exploring all the joys, trials, and triumphs that come with being a 12-year-old spelling bee champion, this show is bound to make you laugh and maybe even shed a tear or two," said director Tommy Malek.
The Compass Rose Theater Artistic and Production Team includes Barbara Webber (Producer), Tommy Malek (Director & Choreographer), Rachel Sandler (Musical Director), Sammy Jungwirth (Set Designer), Atticus Boidy (Lighting Designer), and Ariyanna Hill (Stage Manager).
Since its founding in 2011 by Lucinda Merry Browne, Compass Rose Theater has produced over 50 shows, garnering a Helen Hayes Award for A Chorus Line, five Helen Hayes Award nominations, and a Helen Hayes Award recommendation.
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LOCATION: Compass Rose Theater is at Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St, Third Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401, minutes from downtown Annapolis. Parking is free. An elevator to the third floor is available.
TICKETS: Tickets are $25—$55, available until showtime while supplies last. Ticket prices and availability are subject to change. Reduced prices are offered for students, seniors, military/veterans, and groups of 12 or more. Purchase tickets at https://www.instantseats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.venue&venueid=558 or by calling 410-980-6662. Doors open 20 minutes before the show, with open seating.
PERFORMANCE DATES FOR THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE: Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. or 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Mar 15, 2024- Apr 28, 2024.
The cast of The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee
Principals:
Beth Amann as RONA
Cera Baker as MARCY
Terrell Chambers as MITCH
Lila Cooper as OLIVE
Stephen Emery as BARFEE
Preston Grover as CHIP
Taylor Litofsky as LOGIANNE
Omar Said as PANCH
Sam Slottow as LEAF
Understudies:
Leah Freeman as LOGIANNE / MARCY
Adam Kindley as CHIP/LEAF
Kelly Mok as BARFEE/PANCH
B.J. Robertson as MITCH
Shelby Young as RONA/OLIVE