The play, to be performed May 2-5, chronicles the experience of six adolescent outsiders in the throes of puberty, overseen by adults who barely managed to escape childhood themselves.
"Prayer of the Comfort Counselor" from Pioneer Valley performing Arts school's upcoming production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," May 2-5, Academy of Music, Northampton
"I'm Not That Smart" from PVPA's upcoming production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," May 2-5, Academy of Music, Northampton.
Mia Wurgaft, Taylor-Jordan Fournier and Faolain Bobersky in PVPA's upcoming production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," May 2-5, Academy of Music, Northampton.
SOUTH HADLEY - Ah, the annual school spelling bee; that traditional mega-brain Olympics that has aroused both excitement and paralyzing fear in the hearts of children the world over.
But who exactly are the participants? What (or who) drives them? What happens when you win and God forbid you lose?
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is a hilarious tale of overachievers' angst, chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders in the throes of puberty, overseen by adults who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime.
The Pioneer Valley Performing Arts school will present a production of the Tony Award-winning show in performances scheduled for May 2, 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. and May 5 at 2 p.m. at the Academy of Music in Northampton.
The production will be directed by Sarah Armstrong, the school's vocal instructor, whose professional credits include performances with Lyric Theater Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, The Bronx Opera, The New York American Chamber Opera, Sarasota Opera, Connecticut Opera and at The Goodspeed Opera House.
Music Department director Frank Newton returns to the podium as the production's pit band conductor. His credits include stints with U.S. Navy Band, Amherst Jazz Orchestra, Chocolate Peach Soul Band and his own jazz quartet FlavaEvolution.
Alum and theater teacher Sean Landers leads the ensemble as the production's improvisation coach. During the rehearsal process in addition to line and vocal music memorization, rehearsals included intense improvisation exercises and "what if" scenarios.
"Every show will be different, which will make it fun for everyone," said Landers. He graduated from the school's first class of 2000, teaches improvisational theater and several film courses as also serves as the advisor for the school's sketch comedy troupe, Headgear.
Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling (413) 584-9032, ext. 105 or email to boxoffice@academyofmusictheatre.com Advance ticket prices are $21 general admission, $15 seniors and military, $9 student and children under 12. At-the-door admission will be $23, general admission, $17, seniors and military, and $11, students and children under 12.