Big Words and Big Laughs (Derby Dinner Playhouse)

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Music and Lyrics by William Finn

Book by Rachel Sheinkin

Conceived by Rebecca Feldman

Directed by Tina Jo Wallace

Review by Kate Barry

Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.

It is hard to be a kid. With school, activities, making friends - growing up ain't easy. Some kids find a skill or a talent that brings so much joy that growing up is easier to handle. Derby Dinner Playhouse’s current serving of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a celebration of misfit kids and anyone with a love of spelling.

Surprisingly, this is the first time Derby Dinner Playhouse has performed The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on their stage. Luckily, this production hits all the right notes. The sweet yet funny show directed by Producing Artistic Director Tina Jo Wallace contains a playful energy from start to finish. Youthful and spirited, the play consists of an audience participation component that adds a realistic competitive quality as well. The set bears a striking resemblance to a school gym on a Saturday with sports balls, scooters and benches. Costuming by Margo Birdwhistell provides personality and a quirky flair for each of the six spellers. The jokes are on point and the vocals from the cast blend well for both fast paced numbers and slower ballads.

As an ensemble, the six spellers are a relatable crew who are easy to root for as each kid approaches the microphone in front of peers and family alike. The cast takes full advantage of each character’s method of spelling and distinct personality. Zachary Burrell’s William Barfee, is a shining example of character work. With stiff, rigid shoulders in suit jacket and tie, Burrell’s Barfee always spells the word correctly and he will let you know. Burrell’s performance in “Magic Foot” contains elements of physical comedy that will make you want to try to spell with your toe.

Tai Rosenblatt’s Leaf Coneybear is sweet and unassuming as the homeschooled kid in the cape and helmet. Always true to himself and purely self aware, Rosenblatt’s “I’m not that smart” is endearing and hopeful as Leaf moves on to the next round of competition. Rosenblatt brings a big laugh with a simple collapse from a bench and the line “I fell down,” resulting in anything but a throw away line. As Olive, Kristin Yates brings a notable performance as well. With a heavy-weighted story involving absent parents, Yate’s channels a big hearted child who finds friendship and community she might not have at home. Her version of “The I Love You Song” is tender with a touch of heartbreak.

Kasey Kraft’s Marcy is a bright overachiever who would rather throw away her chances at winning for the sake of instant relief. “I Speak Six Languages” provides great choreography for the female members of the cast as well. As Logainne, Kate Drury provides a performance that channels the upcoming Gen-Z with her ethical dilemmas and big emotions beyond her years. “Woe is Me” places Drury and the rest of the spellers in an angst ridden yet humorous number centered on burdens of winning and losing. Kyle Braun’s Chip is the returning champ who is eliminated early in the competition. Betrayed by his own puberty, Braun’s Chip is a likable adolescent in a very unfortunate predicament.

This spelling bee contains misfit faculty members and educators as well. As Rona, Jillian Prefach Baker plays the former spelling bee champion and current teacher. She brings supportive nostalgia to the role as she sings about her favorite moments of the bee. Shaquille Towns’ Mitch Mahoney is a strong present as the grief counselor for contestants who do not make it to the next round. With tissues and juice boxes to spare, Town’s comedy and talent is undeniable in the “Prayer of the Comfort Counselor.” Chris Bryant’s Vice Principal Douglas Panch provides the words, definitions and sentence examples for the spelling bee. Bryant brings a straight faced delivery of the absurd and sometimes simply silly sentences he asked to read. Most notably on Thursday night’s performance, at moment of audience interaction, Bryant nearly broke into laughter as the participant hilariously misspelled their given word, sharing in the delight of the production.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a musical with a lot of humor and heart. The young spellers put everything they have on the line for a chance at glory and a trophy. Although only one can win, these contestants gain big life lessons by the end of the bee and you cannot help but cheer for them every step of the way.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Derby Dinner Playhouse

February 18-March 29, 2026

525 Marriott Drive

Clarksville, IN 47129

www.derbydinner.com