25th Annual Putnum Spelling Bee!

I will admit that I tend to get worried sitting down in a seat for a show where I have heard tremendous hype beforehand. It usually sets expectations high and many times can lead to, well, a less than spectacular experience.

That was NOT the case last night when I saw "Bee". I would "shill" and say - run out and buy your tickets now, but there's little point - as their entire run is sold out. Excellent for them - and one can only hope that after their extension, it moves elsewhere (and fast!)

I don't think I have laughed that often and consistantly throughout an entire show. I even got choked up at the end a few times too(no spoilers).

The cast is filled with uber-talented performers who all bring a special endearing quality to their roles. The only "problem" is that you love each of them so much, you don't want any of them to lose!

Last night was also especially funny because one of the volunteer spellers got the word they had planned on him fumbling - correct! I wish I could remember what word - and the hysterical word they threw at him next. From the cast expressions - it was clear that he almost got that one right too.

Anyway.. just a few thoughts about the show....

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I hope that it moves into Circle in the Square now that BRIDGE AND TUNNEL has been postponed.

yeah, im dying to see it too...I'm gonna try the cancellation line next friday, but most likely, im depending on a broadway transfer!

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It's a musical, yes?

Yes, it's a musical by William Finn of FALSETTOS fame.

Read the front page story :)

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I'm very happy. As I said on the other thread, I hope it goes better than other recent off-Broadway transfers.

Considering it's a Finn score moving to Broadway- yeah, probably.

I was there last night too. It was sooooo funny. I think the word the theatergoer got correct, that he was supposed to get wrong was: smoogligan?

I hate to be a spoiler of good fun, but one professional reviewer (I forget who, but the only one that gave it a bad review) also mentioned how one person didn't get out on the word they were supposed to and that was the only funny moment in the show. It's planned. I've seen the show twice and it has happened both times. When I saw it in barrington, I'm pretty sure the person evn spelled the word wrong and they still said he got it right. It's just part of the genius of the show. SOOO excited to see it again on broadway.

Yeah, it's not fixed or anything (the last speller doesn't always get the tough word right). I just think that oftentimes the kind of person that would agree to go walk on a professional stage in front of 300 people and to participate in a "spelling bee" is probably a better speller than the average person.

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