Everyone gets into the act in ‘Putnam County Spelling Bee’

Last Updated on Saturday, October 20, 2012 12:32 pm Written by SHAUN SMITH Wednesday, October 17, 2012 03:40 pm

The cast of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” rehearses Monday, Oct. 15 at the Dominick A. Potena Performing Arts Center.

MARGATE – Who knew a spelling bee could be this fun?

The Margate Players will open their production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19 at the Dominick A. Potena Performing Arts Center.

The story revolves around six spellers in Putnam County, N.Y., who are competing against each other as well as members of the audience. The characters include three adults: the over-the-top vice principal of the school; the “official comfort counselor,” who is completing her community service to the state; and a nostalgic former spelling bee winner.

Members of the audience will be invited to take part in the action and the hilarity.

Musical director Debbie Roland said the show was a popular request. The cast members have been rehearsing for six weeks.

“It’s funny,” Roland said. “Each one has their own personality, and their character comes out in their song.”

Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19-20 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21 at the theater attached to the EugeneA.TigheMiddle School. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children, and $10 for students and seniors.

Roland is joined by directors Tricia Keeper-Berk and Doug Winkelstein, artistic designer Ashlei Wyant and choreographer Amy Plantarich.

The cast includes Veronica Mucciarone of Margate as Logainne Schwarzandgrubenierre; Gary Poetsch of Margate as Vice Principal Douglas Panch; Andrea Zakheim of Margate as Rona Lisa Parretti; Hanna Anderson of Linwood as Olive Ostrovsky; Connor Desmond of Ocean City as Olive’s dad; Ashley Jackson of Northfield as Olive’s mom;  Emily Lewis of Northfield as Marcy Park; Michael Farr of Gibbsboro as William Barfee; Chris Hansell of Galloway as Chip Tolentino and Jesus Christ; Corey Hafner of Smithville as Leaf Coneybear; Elana Lalasis of Smithville as Comfort Counselor Michelle Mahoney; Billy Zuko of Egg Harbor Township as Dan Schwarz; Christine Piper of Ventnor as a speller; Troy David as Carl Grubenierre; Leah Jacoby of Egg Harbor Township and Christine Piper of Ventnor as spellers, siblings, moms and dads.

For tickets call the box office (609) 487-7783 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For information see www.margateplayers.com or www.Facebook.com/margateplayers