Theater Review: ‘Spelling Bee’ A Cheeky Crowdpleaser Caps Playhouse Season

Spelling Bee. Spelled S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G, space, B-E-E. A contest where contestants spell words against an opponent, and in the case of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at the Cape Playhouse, with a whole lot of personality thrown in.

This production is fun, cheeky and playfully entertaining. From the moment the cast takes the stage, there is an energy in the theater that makes it hard not to get swept up in the competition. Right away the audience is cheering for their favorite spellers, holding their breath as they tackle increasingly difficult words, and perhaps by the end wondering if they could spell a few of them themselves.

What makes this production particularly enjoyable is how much the cast interacts with the audience. This isn’t a play where you simply sit back and watch from a distance. The audience becomes part of the experience, creating plenty of unexpected and genuinely funny moments throughout the performance. 

For a Cape Cod audience, there are some extra little treats too. The production includes nods to the Cape that feel very fitting at the Cape Playhouse. Those local nods add another layer of fun.

I don’t like to pick favorites. Favorites: F-A-Z, I mean, V-O-R-I-T-E-S, of the season, but “Spelling Bee” may just be one of mine. The cast is incredible, bringing humor, heart and plenty of personality to their characters. There are moments that remind us that beneath the competition these are kids who are trying to find their place, be seen, and in their own way, win something. The balance of humor and heart is part of what makes the production so enjoyable from start to finish.

After a season filled with great productions at the Cape Playhouse, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” feels like a fun way to cap things off. It is lighthearted, clever and the kind of show that leaves you smiling when you walk out of the theater. If you’re looking for something to do this September, put “Spelling Bee” on your list. Whether you’re a theater regular or just looking for a fun night out, this production is definitely worth the trip to the Playhouse. 

The production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” features Viveca Chow, Tatianna Córdova, Leo Gonzalez, Raymond J. Lee, Evan Tyrone Martin, Lauren Marut, Julia Murney, Khadija E. Sankoh, Cody Jamison Strand, Joel Waggoner and Alex Wyse. The production team includes scenic designer Adam Koch, costume designer Annie J. Le, lighting designer Kat C. Zhou, sound designer Joanna Lyn, production stage manager Eitan Markowitz, assistant stage manager Emily Kluger, assistant music director Susie Jolink, casting director Stephanie Klapper, company manager Taylor Bray, production manager Ali Farina, general manager Brynn Grambow, music director Anna Ebbesen, choreographer Jeffrey Gugliotti, and director Claybourne Elder.