Fredonia’s PAC puts Warhol-inspired twist on ‘Putnam County Spelling Bee’
The cast of the PAC’s production of the “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” in rehearsal.
When the Performing Arts Company (PAC) at SUNY Fredonia presents its production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” in April, it will add a touch of inspiration from late artist Andy Warhol to the award-winning musical comedy.
The PAC production runs April 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. and April 7 at 2 p.m. in the Alice E. Bartlett Theatre of Rockefeller Arts Center on the Fredonia campus.
Tickets are available online 24/7, by phone at (716) 673-3501 and in person at the Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center.
“The team for this production has come up with a distinctive concept,” said Director Alina J. Wiley, a B.F.A. Musical Theatre major. “We are using a lot of pop art elements inspired by Andy Warhol to make this show look like a cartoon you’d watch in your living room as a child. We also have an incredible cast from many different backgrounds that I’m so excited for audiences to experience.”
Praised for its effortless wit and charm, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” follows an “eclectic group of six mid-pubescents as they vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime.” The characters spell their way through a series of words while sharing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives in a show that includes audience participation.
“‘Spelling Bee’ is an incredibly unique show,” Wiley said. “The audience steps into the world of this cast of characters, there is no fourth wall. Because of this show’s immersive experience, actors will pull audience members on stage to compete in this hilarious spelling bee with them, and it’s overall a great way to decompress and have fun.”
Created by Rebecca Feldman with additional materials by Jay Reiss, “Putnam County Spelling Bee” features music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin. It has earned a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award, among others. “Putnam County Spelling Bee” made its Broadway debut in 2005.
“I hope the audience finds a comfortable space to just laugh. This point of our lives can be a very stressful time and I find that sometimes all I need to put some pep in my step is a good laugh,” Wiley said. “I hope the audience gives their parents an extra tight hug or a text message after seeing this show, telling them how proud they are to be related. Laughter and music bring people, regardless of their circumstances, together and I hope we can unite the audience through this beautiful story.”
PAC is Fredonia’s second largest student organization. In addition to productions like “Putnam County Spelling Bee,” PAC produces original student work and offers workshops and master classes. The organization’s goal is to provide opportunities to all students looking to pursue their interest in theater.
