The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

The annual spelling bee, and all the hoop-la that goes with it, has become a cornerstone of American Culture and Underground Productions’ version even had a “Bake Stall” to help the audience through this competitive institution.

Staged in a suburban Town Hall, the atmosphere was cutthroat as the contestants battled they way through words most of which I’d never heard before!

The contestants: Ethan Dean – Leif, Emma-June Curick – Olive, Jack Treby – Chip, Samantha Samer – Logannie, Kimie Tsukakoshi – Marcy and Matty Johnson – Barfee; excelled as they employed their well-honed idiosyncrasies to master the never-ending list of words.

As the spelling bee’s M.C., Danika Saal was saccharine in controlling the whole shebang; much to the chagrin of Jack Kelly’s Deputy Principal while Josh Daveta’s portrayal of Mitch Mahoney (serving out his Community Service by overseeing the Spelling Bee’s smooth running) was a joy to behold.

Under the capable direction of Matthew Samer, the music and singing was an integral part of the production and Bonnie Mullins choreography was as varied as the cast members themselves.

Underground Productions is the University of Queensland’s resident drama society.

Roger McKenzie