Chicago Spelling Bee Review - Fantastic!

[GilmoreGirlO2]

Posted: 6/22/06 at 1:03pm

I saw the Chicago "Spelling Bee" production again last night (I've seen it multiple times), and I must say it was one of the best I'd ever seen the show. It's in wonderful shape and it continues to be as fresh and have just as much energy as when it first opened.

The full cast was in last night and it seemed everyone was having a particularly good show, especially Derrick Trumbly (Leaf) who was ON last night! He completely stood out in both his acting and singing, better than I had ever seen him before. Eric Roediger (Barfee), Cristen Paige (Olive), and Christine Werny (Logainne) were also in tip-top shape last night.

James Earl Jones II (Mitch Mahoney) is always great - with one of the best voices in the cast I love every song he sings in, just to hear his voice. He also does an amazing transformation from Mitch to one of Logainne's dads.

Bill Larkin (Doug Panch) has perfect comedic timing and interpretation. It's hard to picture any others in any of these roles, but particularly him. He has each one of his lines, facial expressions, and gestures down perfectly fit for his character.

Lucia Spina (Rona Lisa Peretti) is always great in her role, but I particularly enjoyed the sentences she came up with for the guest spellers last night: "Who wears short shorts? Mr. Schwartzen wears short shorts!" and other hilarious comments on the spellers' clothes.

Brad Weinstock (Chip) has his role down perfectly and got a very enthusiastic applause after "My Unfortunate Erection". Jen Sese (Marcy) also has a wonderful voice - I wish we got to hear it more.

The crowd absolutely loved it (and gave a standing ovation) and was in hysterics all night as well as many "Awws" when favorite characters were eliminated.

I'm heading to NY in July and will probably see the show there, but it's truly hard for me to picture others in these roles because this cast have their characters down perfectly. Chicago is SO lucky to have this production and wonderful cast, and I plan to take full advantage of it while it's here!

[theatregrl0456]

Posted: 6/22/06 at 1:57pm

thanks for the great review, it was interesting to read