PLEASE JOIN US FOR UPCOMING AUDITIONS at The Cassidy Theatre for 

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Director: Mike Larochelle

Music Director: Mike Caraffi

Choreographer: Brenda Larochelle

Audition Dates:

Sunday September 20, 7:00 PM

Monday September 21, 7:00 PM

CALLBACKS: TBD

OPEN CALL- No Appointment necessary

Non-Equity performers / All Roles Available

Location: The Cassidy Theatre, 6200 Pearl Road, Parma Hts., OH 44130

(In the Greenbrier Commons, behind the Police Station)


Please prepare the following:

*Please prepare 16-32 bars of a song from the show, or in the style of the show that shows off your vocal range. Please bring sheet music (accompanist will be provided).

*Bring a headshot and resume if available. Please bring a picture even if headshot isn’t available.

*Be prepared for movement/ dance audition.

*If you wish to audition but are not able to make it to the above dates, please contact the box office at #440-842-4600 to make alternate arrangements.

*Please bring a list of conflict dates you may have during the rehearsal period.

 

Show Dates for: November 21st - December 6th, 2015. Fridays and Saturdays @ 8:00 PM and Sundays @ 3:00 PM

Show Information:

Music and Lyrics by William Finn, Book by Rachel Sheinkin,

Conceived by Rebecca Feldman, Additional Material by Jay Reiss

 

Six awkward spelling champions learn that winning (and losing) isn't everything. Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless charm and humor. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of [potentially made-up] words hoping to never hear the soul crushing, pout inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

 

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS AND VOCAL RANGES: (Please Note: Most cast members sing in ensemble musical numbers not listed below.)

 

LOGAINNE SCHWARTZANDGRUNENIERRE- the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. A3 - F5

 

MARCY PARK- placed ninth in last year’s nationals. She speaks six languages and is the poster child for the Over- Achiever, and attends a Catholic school called "Our Lady of Intermittent Sorrows." She is also not allowed to cry. C4 - E5

 

OLIVE OSTROVSKY- A newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the bee. Having found comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition. She starts enormously shy, and shyly blossoms. B3 - F5

 

CHIP TOLENTINO- An athletic and social Boy Scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment. C4 - B5

 

LEAF CONEYBEAR- The second runner-up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. A3 - A5

 

WILLIAM BARFEE-  A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous “Magic Foot” method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory. E4 - B5

 

RONA LISA PERETTI (Age 35 – 50) - The number-one realtor in Putnam County, a former

Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children. B3 - F5

 

MITCH or MADGE MAHONEY (Age 25 – 40) - The Official Comfort Counselor. An ex-convict, Mitch/Madge is performing community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He/She has no idea how to offer comfort, but does find him/herself wishing he/she could find a way to make the kids feel better. E4 - A5

 

DOUGLAS PANCH (Age 35 – 50) - The Vice Principal of Putnam Middle School. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years' absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge.

 

Additional Roles that May be doubled:

JESUS CHRIST: Deity invoked by a speller in need. Non-singing role.

CARL DAD: Schwarzy's main trainer, the more intense and competitive of Schwarzy's fathers. G3 - D5

DAN DAD: The more laid back and ineffectual of Schwarzy's fathers. G3 - D5

OLIVE's MOM: A fantasy version of Olive's mom at her Ashram in India. D4 - E5

OLIVE's DAD: A fantasy version of Olive's dad coming to the bee from work. E4 - B5

 

The Cassidy Theatre is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

If you have any questions, or concerns please contact the Cassidy Theatre Box Office at #440-842-4600. 
The Cassidy Theatre Box Office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays 9:30- 3:30.