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Friday, Nov. 06, 2009

Funny, musical spelling bee presented at Theatre Macon

Going back to elementary school might not sound like much fun for some people, but for Jake Adams, it has been great.

Adams, a 17-year-old senior at First Presbyterian Day School, plays 12-year-old Chip in Theatre Macon’s Youth Actors Company production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

“It has been great to go back to elementary school, when you pretty much can be good at anything,” Adams said.

And that description fits his character perfectly, he said. Chip, a Boy Scout, won the spelling bee the previous year, has a giant ego, thinks he is a ladies’ man and is not used to losing.

“When I first read the script, I thought that at face value the characters didn’t have much depth,” he said, “but as I looked into them more, I realized how much was there and what could be added. They all have weird mannerisms; it’s been really fun.”

Fun, or funny to be more specific, is what drew director Katy Thompson to the play in the first place.

“I’ve seen it on Broadway and again in Atlanta, and just yesterday I still had to stop and laugh at how funny the material is,” she said. “It’s been great for the teens to play kids, rather than having adults play them. The teens aren’t that far past the ages of the characters, and bring unique experiences and a unique take on them.”

Thompson said it’s the perfect theater choice for people who may not enjoy big Broadway-style musicals.

“It’s perfect for people who don’t normally go to the theater and reminds me more of a sitcom on television, but one with songs,” she said.

As funny as it is, though, the play is best suited for people over the age of 12, she said, adding that a couple of language issues had to be edited a little, but parents can use their discretion.

In addition to directing, Thompson plays Rona, the moderator of the spelling bee. As this is her last production with Theatre Macon before she gets married and moves to New York, getting to be on stage with the young actors was fun, if bittersweet.

“They are great kids and I’ve had a great time with Theatre Macon. They’ve been so sweet to let me keep working with the kids,” she said.

Opens Saturday

What: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”

When: 8 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 13-14; 2:30 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 15; and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday

Where: Theatre Macon, 438 Cherry St.

Cost: $15 adults, $12 students

Phone: 746-9485