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MHS, MCC musical comedy opening night Friday for ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’
McCOOK, Neb. — McCook Community College and McCook High School are set for opening night for the musical comedy, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Friday at 7 p.m. with additional performances Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at The McCook High School Auditorium.
This production is directed by Mark Hardiman, MCC theatre instructor and Amanda Davidson, MHS theater and speech teacher. The “Bee” showcases the talent pool at the high school, from choreography done by McCook High student Brynn Hill, to conductor of the live band, Taylor O’Dell. MCC Student Dewey Delaney is Assistant Director.
The cast includes: Kyler Gaston, Tucker Gillespie, Mykuh Hansen, Davien Hanson, Alexis Quint, Gabby Rogers, Lacey Rouse, Molina Shafer, Madison Tarencz-Rasmusen, Lucy Weber, and Jessie Pochop.
Tickets are $10 general admission, $5 for students and seniors with ID. Children younger than five are admitted free. Tickets are available at Sehnert’s Bakery & Bieroc Café, 312 Norris, the main office at McCook High School or at the door, if seats are available. For information call: 308-345-5422, extension 1414.
Set in a middle school, this is a story where one character spells with a magic foot, another writes on her arm and yet another speaks into her hands.
“Middle schoolers compete to match their spelling skills, while the audience gets to peek behind the scenes as these talented and eccentric youngsters celebrate life and explore what victory really means,” said Hardiman.
The 2005 Broadway run was nominated for six Tony awards. Hardiman said the collaboration has resulted in some classic improvised moments and comic choreography, and the cast is looking forward to presenting it this weekend.
“It seems like the ‘Bee’ reinvents itself with every production. We love the improvisational aspects of the musical,” said Hardiman. “It gives folks a fresh take on this hysterical and fond look at growing up.”
For any high school students interested in exploring theater, MCC has a full theatre program including an Associate of Fine Arts degree. Scholarships are available. For more information visit: www.mpcc.edu.