Spelling It Out: A Bee Full of Heart and Humor

The cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Carroll University. Photo credit: Allison Calteux Photography.

A review of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

by Ava Sabel, age 15

Have you ever watched a spelling bee and thought, “This could use a little more chaos and maybe even a song or two?” If so, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee performed by the Carroll Players might be exactly your kind of show! Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, it follows six quirky middle schoolers as they compete for the ultimate spelling glory. Some arrive focused on victory, others just hoping to survive the spotlight, but along the way, they all reveal something deeper about themselves. Sure, a champion is crowned, but the real win is the connection, growth, and unexpected friendships formed under the pressure of the Bee.

One of the most delightful aspects of this production is how immersive it feels. From the moment the show begins, you’re not just watching a spelling bee—you’re in it. The audience becomes part of the action, with a few brave volunteers invited onstage to test their own spelling skills. Win or lose, they’re rewarded with a juice box and a hilarious consolation song. Watching all of the actors in this production interact with these guest spellers is a highlight in itself; they stay fully in character, balancing improvisation and structure so smoothly that it never distracts from the story unfolding onstage. At the performance I saw, one of the guest spellers accidentally misspelled an easy word, changing the outcome likely planned. The actors moved on as if this was exactly how the Bee was to unfold! 

And then there are the vocals, which were absolutely outstanding. Music Director Julie Johnson knew how to bring out the best in each cast member’s vocals. One of the most memorable moments is “The I Love You Song,” sung by Lauren Rank, Brady Dunnum, and Grace Banwart, which lands right in the emotional center of the show.  It’s a stunning contrast to the musical’s otherwise playful tone, and the performers bring such raw emotion to it that the entire room seems to hold its breath. It’s the kind of performance that reminds you how powerful live theater can be. Another standout is also sung by Grace Banwart: Rona Lisa Peretti’s “My Favorite Moment of the Bee,” delivered with elegance and warmth that perfectly matches her character’s polished exterior. Across the board, the cast shines vocally, with tight harmonies and expressive performances that elevate every number.

In the end, Spelling Bee isn’t just about getting the words right; it’s about finding your voice, even when you’re not sure how to spell it. The Carroll Players got it right!

Catch more shows by the Carroll Players at Carroll University!