Musical comedy delivers greatness

By Misty Jones

The TC News reporter

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was an engaging tale of six quirky spelling champions, competing against each other for the ultimate title of Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion.

With the Stilwell Theatre at Texarkana College packed and anticipations high, the cast of this musical comedy delivered greatness. The captivating cast, led by TC Drama Director Michael Cooper, filled the room with beautiful voices, harmonies and plenty of adult humor.

“Discipline from Michael is what kept the cast focused and in character,” said Taylor Coleman, cast member who played William Barfee.

The set was simple and effective. The singing and music composition was exceptional. Cast member, Chase Livingston, who played Leaf Coneybear said, “My favorite moment of the show was my song, I’m Not That Smart.”

Besides the side-splitting laughter, what set this play apart from all others, was audience participation. A few unsuspecting audience members were pulled on stage as spelling bee contestants. Several cast members singing in the middle of the audience, certainly kept the audience involved.

The moral of the story, winning (or losing) isn’t everything, made this hit comedy highly relatable. The outstanding talent in TC’s Drama Department being second to none, makes seeing their next production a no-brainer.

The next TC Drama Department production will be Young Frankenstein. Performances of this show will be May 6-15, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm.