By Rachel Putnam
Photography by Johnathan Brewer, UAFS.
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Theatre Department will perform the Tony Award-winning musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee from February 23 to March 4 at the UAFS Breedlove Auditorium.
The show follows an eclectic group of sixth graders as they compete in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Each speller has their own unique reasons for wanting to win, from a shy Olive who brings only her dictionary to the bee, to a former champion struggling with puberty. This relatable and hilarious musical is sure to have audiences falling in love with the spellers and the show.
All performances will be at 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday February 23-25 and March 2-4.
The show will also be the inaugural production of thenewly named Stacey Jones Season of Entertainment, and will be accompanied by a presentation to the Jones family honoring Stacey’s 45 years of dedication to advancing the arts and the lives of the students of UAFS.
“I have been loving every minute of rehearsal,” said Trent Gregory who plays Barfeé. “My cast is already starting to feel like a family to me, and with the help of our amazing production team, it has run more smoothly than I’ve ever experienced in a production thus far.”
“It’s been an absolute delight! Everyone has worked so hard and rehearsals have consistently been so fun. I can’t wait to see what the show is like when we finally open!” added Shayla Woolsey who plays Schwarzy.
While the show is suitable for all ages, a dedicated family-friendly production will be performed on Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m., for younger audience members
Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at https://uafs.universitytickets.com/w/default.aspx?cid=189.
Cast members include:
Kassandra Jiminez of Panama, Oklahoma as Rona Lisa Peretti
Dylan Richmond of Poteau, Oklahoma as Charlito “Chip” Tolentino
Shayla Woolsey of Greenwood as Logainne Schwarzy
Tate Carnley of Patterson, Louisiana as Leaf Coneybear
Trent Gregory of Alma as William Barfeé
Carolyn Young of Greenwood as Marcy Park
Josie Foster of Tahlequah, Oklahoma as Olive Ostrovsky
Rës Smith of Poteau, Oklahoma as Vice Principal Douglas Panch
Adonis Wilson of Spiro, Oklahoma as Mitchell Mahoney
Wyatt Baugh of Greenwood, as Jesus/Leaf’s Dad
