Exit 7 Players, Ludlow, MA
through April 28, 2012
By Walter Haggerty
How Do You Spell G.R.E.A.T? Exit 7 Players have the answer –
and they are superb. In fact, the entire production of “Spelling Bee” is an
inspired evening of top drawer entertainment from start to finish.
The prospect of turning a traditional high school spelling
bee into a hit Broadway musical is about as promising a project as a musical
based on the life of Adolph Hitler becoming a success. Oh well, anything is
possible on Broadway. “Spelling
Bee,” which began its life at Barrington Stage, turned out to be a real winner
with a Tony nomination and an extended run on Broadway and beyond.
At the Exit 7 Players Theatre, a cast that has been
fine-tuned to perfection by director Tom LeCourt, gives an ensemble performance
that is impeccable. Their portrayal of a group of high school misfits, whose
single opportunity to shine is their spelling expertise; discover through their
competition that there really is more to life than winning. With a series of
entertaining songs, a liberal dose of humor, and ultimately acceptance of, and
even affection for one another, the evening arrives at a jubilant conclusion.
Every member of the cast deserves accolades for his/her
distinctively molded characterizations – each a bit off center, but always on
target. Steve Grabowski’s Leaf Coneybear, with his cape and hand puppet, is a
delight. Kyle Boatwright as Logainne, gives an evenly balanced performance of a
brilliant, slightly confused teenager.
Megan Hoy’s Marcy manages to escape her reputation as a
perfect student by reveling in deliberately making a mistake in spelling. Todd
Porter, as William Barfee (pronounced Barfay), is a hilarious, sarcastic
spelling wizard with a “magic” foot. Nikki Wadleigh’s performance of the
nervous, unsure, waif-like Olive Ostrovsky, is pure gold.
Finally, David Webber’s Chip Tolentino, the handsome,
bright, boy-next-door, betrayed by a quirk of nature, could easily settle into
the cast of “Glee” as a replacement for one of their obviously aging teens. The
adults – Eric Johnson, Michael
Garcia, and especially Kathy Renaud, were excellent throughout.
”Putnam County
Spelling Bee” is a perfect example and living proof that America truly does
have talent – and some of it is right next door.
