‘Bee’ Auditions Feb. 11-12

Auditions for Pec Playhouse Theatre’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will be held at Seward Park District Feb. 11 and 12.

We are looking for actors to fill the roles of 4 female and 5 male characters. Please have 16 bars of a song (preferably from the show) prepared. A cold read will be provided. If you would like additional info or have any questions, please email Matt Dodd at mdodd9514@gmail.com.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by William Finn. The show centers on a fictional spelling bee set in a geographically ambiguous Putnam Valley Middle School. Six quirky adolescents compete in the Bee, run by three equally quirky grown-ups.

OLIVE OSTROVSKY-A young newcomer to competitive spelling, Olive’s 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.

Vocal Range: B3 – F5

WILLIAM BARFEE-A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, William 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, even though he only has one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. He develops a crush on Olive.

Vocal Range: E4 – B5

LOGAINNE SCHWARTZANDGRUBENIERRE-Also known as “Schwartzy”, Logainne is 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. She is somewhat of a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and, regardless of the outcome this time, she will be back next year.

Vocal Range: A3 – F5

CHIP TOLENTINO-An athletic, social, acclaimed boy scout and champion of the 24th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but finds puberty hitting at the most inopportune moment.

Vocal Range: C4 – B5

MARCY PARK-A recent transfer from Virginia, Marcy placed ninth in last year’s nationals. She speaks six languages, plays on an all-American hockey team, is a championship rugby player, plays Chopin and Mozart on multiple instruments, sleeps only three hours a night, hides in the bathroom cabinet from her parents, and is getting very tired of always winning. She is the poster child for the Over-Achieving Student, and attends a Catholic school called “Our Lady of Intermittent Sorrows.” She is not allowed to cry.

Vocal Range: C4 – E5

LEAF CONEYBEAR-The second runner-up in their district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the Bee incredibly amusing. Leaf is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies, has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and spells words correctly while in a trance. (Any gender may play this part.)

Vocal Range: A3 – A5

RONA LISA PERETTI-The number-one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator, Rona is a sweet woman who loves children, but she can be very stern when it comes to dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her commitment to the competition is unflagging and always drives it forward.

Vocal Range: B3 – F5

DOUGLAS PANCH-Vice Principle Panch is frustrated with his life and finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years’ absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. There was an “incident” at the Twentieth Annual Bee, but he claims to be in “a better place” now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affection.

MITCH/MIDGE MAHONEY-The Official Comfort Counselor, Mitch/Midge is an ex-convict performing community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. Mitch/Midge has no idea how to offer comfort, but wishes to find a way to make the kids feel better. (This part may be played by any gender.)

Vocal Range: E4 – A5