Brentwood Students Shine in Fall Musical

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is an entertaining show that makes you laugh while asking you to reflect on what drives you in life.

The fall musical at is scheduled to open with a 7 p.m. show on Friday. The show features 19 high school students and two eighth-grade students.

Lippman and the students have been practicing for the past two months, staying after school four days a week to prepare for the performance this weekend.

In the story, a number of students compete in a spelling bee while also fighting for other dreams in life. For example, Olive Ostrovsky, played by Amy Lee, seeks the affection of her absent parents.

"We have all had our dreams crushed and we have all felt the high of success," said Anita Lippman, the show's director. "But anticipation and having a dream is what keeps us all alive - and keeps us going. Without hope, there is no dream."

The message is shared through a mostly comical storyline. During a dress rehearsal on Monday, students referenced Occupy Wall Street (one speller was among the 99 percent, she said) and Lord of the Rings.

Chris Reichert and Anisa Rahaman play the show's only two adults, who emcee the competition. While Rahaman's character offers humorous narration and commentary, Reichert's paces the show with monotone sarcasm and witty dialogue. The spellers respond by either overcoming near impossible spelling challenges or becoming unraveled by the competition.

"No two productions ever look alike. A lot of the spelling words are ad-libbed and takes the spellers by surprise," Lippman said.

The musical also includes some controversial dialogue. Lippman said the story isn't appropriate for everyone, and recommends it for students 12 years and older.

"I labored a lot over anything that seemed controversial, but in the end, the humor and pathos of the characters are what drives the story and I think everyone can relate to it," Lippman said.

For ticket reservations or more information, contact 962-3837 ext. 1040.