It has been quite the journey for this production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee but when all is said and done; it has been a DREAM come true. A dream to have a group of students like I had back in 2011. Students who were in the CGHS 2011 production of Spelling Bee are still a huge part of my life and a part of the CGHS Musical Production history that we are very proud of.
Chip Tolentino was played by Davis Lemley and Adam Casner and now by Eddie Derderian. All three are tenors with large ranges and loved "hamming it up" with their roles throughout high school. AND they each had their own take/spin on Chip and I could not choose a favorite. They all are held to my highest regards. Who would have thought in my world that another Chip could come along and impress me even more? Eddie tackles Chip's Lament with great skill making it seem effortless yet still implementing the pubescent struggle. Astounding Eddie, astounding. We are so FORTUNATE to have you!
Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere was played by Courtney Buckworth and now by Angelina Hashemisohi. Both loved this character and took on Logainne with PRIDE especially the lisp and improvisation monologue. Both Courtney and Angelina have the ability to sing in the cartoony character voice needed for Schwartzy and the youthful endearing qualities we love when they interact with their Dads.
Leaf Coneybear was played by Alex Campbell and Dave Candia and now by Michael Palmieri. This character is one of my favorites and if I could play Leaf Coneybear someday I would. Alex and Dave also had totally different approaches to Leaf. Alex went with totally goofy and extremely physical. Dave went with sweet, ditzy and loveable. Michael is a happy medium of both and his Goodbye is always a special moment for the audience.
William Barfee was played by Vin Caruso and now by Luca Sandomenico (Cousins!). This adorable coincidence has been really special to watch in rehearsals. Vin was very concerened with how to execute the voice of Barfee and still sing well (he was a NJ All State Choir member). It was with this role that Vin and now Luca found new ways to use their voice and that a use of a character voice doesn't mean you are sacrificing good tone or delivery. They both have an excellent balance that creates their special performances.
Marcy Park was played by Caitlin Flynn (Barbieri) and now Emily Ratel. I am sure all Marcy Parks in all Spelling Bees face the same challenges: how do you sing and execute several "show-off" moments effectively? Both pushed themselves to find what skills they could execute while singing and nailed it. Both Caitlin and Emily have a bit of Marcy already in them; a little bit anxious and a whole lot of talents.
Olive Ostrovsky was played by Alea Caporrino and Meaghan McCabe and now Sara Baena. All three girls posess a beautiful inner spirit and light that exudes when they smile and sing. They have the ability to make you laugh and cry and when they sang (sing) their songs we experience Olive's loneliness, sweetness and longing.
