Six spellers enter. One emerges victorious. The others? At least they get a juice box. This is the story told in University Theatre's season closer,  “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” the hit Broadway musical that follows a group of eccentric middle schoolers competing for the title of a lifetime.

Described as “good fun with plenty of heart,” the show combines improv, heartfelt storytelling and audience participation. As the contestants tackle absurd words, they offer hilarious and touching glimpses into their lives. Performed by University of Oregon students, the production opens May 23 and runs through June 8 in the Hope Theatre.

“'Spelling Bee’ is a show about kids trying to prove themselves,” said Tara Wibrew, director. “And the adults have some proving of their own to do as well.”

Wibrew, who returns to University Theatre as a guest director after last year's "Antigone," said she was excited to take on the project.

“I was really thrilled to hear that they’d be doing ‘Spelling Bee’ because I think it is a heart-filling story, and I love every one of the characters,” she said. “The music is great. The lyrics are funny. There’s a lot of opportunity for improvisation.”

The production includes interactive moments that invite the audience into the world of Putnam County.

“I have a particular love for any kind of immersive experience,” Wibrew said.

—Tara Wibrew, Director

The student-led creative team was charged with transforming the Hope Theatre stage into a nostalgic school gym-atorium complete with 1990s and 2000s flair.

“Our goal was to create a playful, cartoonish aesthetic and incorporate relatable accessories, like friendship necklaces, that evoke nostalgia and connection,” said Sara Smith, co-costume designer.

Anika McNair, co-costume designer, said her team approached the show through the lens of authentic Y2K-era childhood memory. 

“We placed the highest value on childhood nostalgia from the 1990s-2000s,” said McNair. “We were chasing sentiment — what it felt like to be a kid, when flipped collars gave you playground prestige and friendship necklaces were soul-binding tokens. We wanted to capture a nostalgia that allows us to not only remember, but relive, if only for a moment.”

Throughout the rehearsal process, Wibrew said the spirit of collaboration and community inspired her. 

“There’s something really beautiful about the idea that there is always room for growth and change,” she said. “Most of the time, our biggest competition is ourselves — you can lose and still, really, come out winning.” 

The show features a nine-person ensemble cast: freshman Veer Chulki as William Morris Barfée; junior Kelly Finch as Marcy Park; sophomore Aixa Gutierrez as Olive Ostrovsky; sophomore Landon Kobz as Vice Principal Douglas Panch and Olive’s Dad; senior Laura Leader as Rona Lisa Peretti and Olive’s Mom; freshman Andrew Nelson as Charlito “Chip” Tolentino and Jesus Christ; junior Aaralyn Reed as Logainne “Schwartzy” Schwartzandgrubenierre; senior Ari Rubenstein as Leaf Coneybear and Carl’s Dad; and freshman Elijah Tinker as Mitch Mahoney and Dan’s Dad.

In addition to McNair and Smith, members of the production team include: Graham Mauro, scenic designer; Max Maltz, stage manager; Logan Love, assistant director; Darcy Rust, choreographer; Jordan Hamlin, lighting Designer; Nala Johnson, properties designer; and many more contributing students from across disciplines.

“There’s such a depth of talent and energy at the University of Oregon,” Wibrew said. “This team — the cast, production and crew — is tremendously talented, generous and playful. 'Spelling Bee' celebrates people who are doing their best at every age, even if they fail sometimes. And they sometimes might come out kind of goofy, too. Everyone gets to indulge in their playful sides with this show — we hope audiences come get goofy along with us." 

Produced by University Theatre, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” runs in the Hope Theatre May 23–June 8. Performances are at 7:30 p.m., with matinees June 1 and June 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available through the EMU Ticket Office. Tickets are free for students but seating is limited and advance purchase is strongly recommended. Students are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they get a seat. 

—By Harper Wells, College of Arts and Sciences