I’m not holding back—Copley Theatre’s latest offering, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is an absolute winner! I’ve seen this delightfully offbeat musical brought to life at various theaters, but Copley’s rendition? It’s absolutely “F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S.” This production earns its place at the very top, possibly stealing the crown altogether.
And let’s take a moment to appreciate the venue! My inaugural visit to Copley Theatre was a treat in itself. Not only did I get to enjoy the hilarious, heartfelt magic of Spelling Bee, but I also had the chance to soak in the sleek elegance of this modern gem. With its stunning aesthetics, thoughtful conveniences, and intimate yet impeccably crafted stage setup, Copley has created an experience that’s as polished as it is inviting.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a brilliantly funny and deeply touching musical that captures the hilarity and heartache of middle school life through the lens of a high stakes spelling competition. With a sharp and witty book by Rachel Sheinkin and an engaging score by William Finn, the show offers a perfect blend of humor, warmth, and unforgettable musical moments.
At its core, the story introduces us to six wildly different young spellers, each of whom brings their own unique quirks, struggles, and aspirations to the stage. There’s Leaf Coneybear (Ben Broughton), the whimsical underdog with a heart of gold who’s as surprised as anyone to have qualified for the competition. Then there's Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (Ann Delaney), a driven and socially conscious overachiever with a lisp and two doting dads rooting her on. And, of course, William Barfée (Teddy Gales) —brash, brilliant, and armed with his hilariously unconventional “magic foot” spelling strategy that leaves both contestants and audiences in awe. Other spellers include the pressure-laden Marcy Park (Shelbi Voss), an overachiever who excels at everything; the sweet yet neurotic Olive Ostrovsky (Elizabeth Stenholt), who’s grappling with absent parents; and the slightly obnoxious, juice-box-loving Chip Tolentino (Nic Dantes), facing the realities of puberty at an inopportune time.
The competition itself is overseen by an equally eccentric trio of adults: Rona Lisa Peretti (Veronica Garza), a former Bee champion turned upbeat host; Vice Principal Panch (Jason Richards), whose tightly wound demeanor hides his hilariously chaotic tendencies; and Mitch Mahoney (Naphtali Curry), the “comfort counselor” on parole, tasked with handing out juice boxes to eliminated contestants.
While Spelling Bee unfolds with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—enhanced by improv comedy and unexpected audience participation — the musical also delves into poignant themes. Beneath the humor lies a heartfelt exploration of identity, resilience, and the awkward beauty of adolescence. Each character’s journey speaks to the universal struggles of finding one's place in the world, making the show deeply relatable to audiences of all ages.
Highlighting the show’s standout performers is easy — it's the entire cast, hands down! Every single member of this ensemble is outstanding – and I truly mean that. Each spelling bee contestant shines with their own unique moments to revel in - and each gets plenty of big laughs – Gales, Delaney, Broughton, Voss, Stenholt, Dantes – all of them are terrific! As for the hosting adults, Garza as the charismatic event host and Richards as the stone-faced VP with a penchant for tossing out challenging words make a hysterical duo. Curry as the competition's "comfort counselor," also steals the spotlight in several scenes.
Shelbi Voss (front) is the overachiever, Marcy Park, in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Wonderfully directed by Stephen Schellhardt, the magic of Spelling Bee truly shines in many standout moments that follow the company’s opening number – a fresh and vibrant take on the show’s title song. Shelbi Voss dazzles as she command’s the stage with “I Speak Six Languages,” capped off with Music Director Kory Danielson’s own energetic and uniquely upbeat spin on the ending. Then there’s the stunning trio of Elizabeth Stenholt, Veronica Garza, and Naphtali Curry, who deliver a breathtaking showcase of vocal mastery in their emotionally charged performance of “The I Love You Song.” And Nic Dantes brings the house down with the hilariously awkward and unforgettable number “Chip’s Lament,” riotously portraying the character’s woes after a... let’s call it “untimely distraction” during the competition. These moments, and soooo many more, make this production soar.
With its clever writing, charmingly oddball characters, and emotionally resonant storytelling, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee proves that even something as seemingly mundane as a spelling competition can be transformed into a magical, uproariously funny, and deeply moving theatrical experience.
Also striking in this very funny and heartwarming musical were the details in set of the high school gymnasium and the overall show production and choreography. When you put it all together, audience members get an intimate, next-level theatre experience.
For those unaware, Copley Theatre (part of the Paramount Theatre family) is nestled in the heart of downtown Aurora. This 165-seat gem stands as an inviting and contemporary performance venue that really delivers, thanks to its recent extensive renovations, elevating it to a cutting-edge space designed for captivating and thought-provoking productions. Copley Theatre is also celebrated for hosting the Paramount Theatre's BOLD Series, a carefully curated lineup of productions that showcase a blend of timeless classics and modern works meant to inspire, challenge, and entertain. The recent upgrades also introduced an elegant lounge and bar area, adding a touch of sophistication and comfort to the theatergoing experience. I feel I can safely say that, whether you're an avid theatergoer or exploring the performing arts for the first time, Copley Theatre promises an enriching and memorable journey into the world of live entertainment.
See this show! The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is being performed through April 27th at Copley Theatre located at 8 East Galena Boulevard in Aurora. Tickets are in the $55 range and the show’s running time is two hours including a fifteen-minute intermission. For tickets and/or more show information, click here.
Very highly recommended!
*This review is also featured on https://www.chicago-theater.com/!
