Menomonie Theater Guild's Second Musical of the Season Will Test Your Vocabulary
audience and performers alike experience the highs and lows of middle school life at 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'
Evelyn Nelson, photos by Timothy Mather |
For students in Putnam County, winning the annual spelling bee isn't just an achievement; it's a marvelous memory, a testament to their dedication; echoing the sentiment, "one's life improves from A to Z."
The Menomonie Theater Guild's production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" follows six middle school competitors as they strive for victory and discover their shared sense of purpose.
The historic Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts (205 Main St. E) in Menomonie will host the musical on the weekends of May 2-4 and 9-11. Carol Diser-Ropella, director of the musical, said audience members can expect a range of emotional narratives, from joy and heartbreak, to the delight of finding lifelong friends, all told through the awkward tales of growing up.
“This musical has a lot to say about finding your place, finding your people, being true to yourself,” Diser-Ropella said. “These are struggles that all adolescents go through, but I think we also go through numerous times in different stages of our lives.”
The cast and crew began weekly rehearsals earlier this year, bringing their personal life experiences and unique quirks to the joyful energy of the stage, she explained. The spelling bee contestants are a diverse group, including an athletic boy scout, a home-schooled student who finds everything amusing, several overachievers, and even some who use magic tricks to redeem themselves from past losses.
Katie Talberg, performing the role of Marcy Park and lead choreographer, found versions of herself sprinkled within the character’s mannerisms and narrative. Marcy’s accomplishments are extensive: fluency in six languages, participation in all-American hockey, musical talent on various instruments, and adherence to a demanding sleep schedule of just three hours per night.
“Marcy goes on this journey of breaking away from expectations. All of the characters have some sort of perspective shift throughout (the show) that I think is really cool,” Talberg said. “(The musical) is an experience in both self-reflection and creating (my version of) a character.”
Tablerg expressed the production offers something unique and valuable for people of all ages and backgrounds. The interactive and humorous moments throughout — with special mention to some improvisational audience participation — fosters a sense of community and shared enjoyment that bridges personal differences.
An immersive Q&A, from "Marcy to Marcy."
Evelyn Nelson, who previously understudied the character of Marcy Park in a different production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," discussed the challenges and rewards of playing such a complex and driven character, as well as how Talberg connected with the character. The following discussion is based on Talberg's interpretation of Park:
EN: Marcy, can you tell us about some of the emotions or experiences you're having as you look forward to the bee?
KT/MP: I feel pretty comfortable and confident in my upcoming performance at the bee. I was in the top 10 last year at the national championship spelling bee, representing the state of Virginia. The audience might not know it yet, but I am a good speller. I have trained and I am ready to take down the competition.
EN: Have you encountered any challenges while preparing for the bee? Could these challenges affect your experience at the competition?
KT/MP: I'm ready to spell, but sometimes things get stressful and I feel like I don't have any free time, or that I am even my own person.
EN: Do you have any special talents, interests, or hidden skills that might surprise people who see you at this spelling bee?
KT/MP: I do it all. I speak six languages, dance, do acrobatics, twirl ribbons — I follow a daily training regimen that incorporates all of my various activities, including studying, playing sports, and learning music. My big number showcases everything I've been working on, all at once — it's very fun and exciting!
EN: Which word do you find most enjoyable to spell?
KT/MP: Qaimaqam. A lieutenant or deputy in the Ottoman Empire, and a rare exception to the Q-U rule. Q-A-I-M-A-Q-A-M.
Tickets to "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" are available for purchase online at the Menomonie Theater Guild website, or in person at the box office on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30am to 3:30pm. Prices are $25 for adults, and $23 for seniors, students, and military.
