Who's the lead of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?

[taliax353]

Posted: 5/15/17 at 9:56am

i thought it was olive and barfee, but when Celia and dan were nominated for a tony, it was for best featured actors, so who else would it be? Rona? Panch? Can I get some opinions up in here?

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 5/15/17 at 9:59am

Some shows do not have a clear lead. I would say that Barfee and Olive have the largest part of the narrative, partly because they last the longest. Despite this, they are still featured roles.

[icecreambenjamin]

Posted: 5/15/17 at 10:02am

Olive and Barfee are the leads, but even then, they are supporting.

[newintown]

Posted: 5/15/17 at 10:18am

It's called an "ensemble piece."

[theoriginoflove]

Posted: 5/15/17 at 10:41am

Panch

[ggersten]

Posted: 5/15/17 at 11:03am

Because Tony rules state as a default that actors whose names are above the title are "lead" and actors whose names are below the title are "featured". There is no "supporting actor" category.  If Billy Porter were to play Mitch Mahoney with his name above the title, he would be "lead".  

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/15/17 at 11:09am

Well, only until the producers petition for correct placement.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 5/15/17 at 11:11am

Spelling Bee is a textbook ensemble piece in my opinion, with Olive and Barfee somewhat more toward the front of the action.