CANMORE – Nearly everyone has done a spelling bee, and most can probably remember how stressful it can be.
That slice of childhood will be on full display with the newest production by Pine Tree Players, the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
The musical, which follows six awkward competitors who learn that winning isn’t everything, is only the second musical put on by the Pine Tree Players.
“It is exciting to get into another one of those,” said director Maxine Bennett. “It follows the trials and tribulations of a bunch of 12- to-17-year-old kids at a spelling bee, with a cast of adults.”
The musical, which Bennett calls funny and endearing, presents some extra elements and challenges versus a typical stage show for the theatre company.
“We have an orchestra that is part of our show,” Bennett said. “Finding time for our orchestra to rehearse and finding time for our choreographer and having everyone be ready to sing and act at the same time, there is a lot of elements.”
While understandable some actors are apprehensive about singing, there are others who specifically want to be in musicals for just that reason.
“We have folks who are more likely to audition for a musical than a straight up play,” Bennett said. “We get lots of folks who are really excited about doing a musical and audience-wise, people are always psyched to see a musical production.”
Janell Maitland, the musical director, agreed there was a lot involved with preparations.
“There was a lot of music in this production so we had to practice a lot,” Maitland said. “The actors are awesome. Those with previous theatre experience are helping those that are newer. They followed whatever I told them to do.”
For the first time, audience members will be part of a Pine Tree Players production. Don’t worry if you aren’t the acting-on-stage type though, everyone is asked beforehand.
“Every night we will be recruiting members of the audience to be part of the spelling bee. We don’t want to force anyone up on stage,” Bennett said. “We will be meeting people before the show and determining who is interested.”
Overall, everyone can expect to come out for a show that is funny with a bit of heart.
“Whether you are someone who is that age now, or if you are someone who remembers being a teenager, there are so many incredible relatable moments that all our kids are going through,” Bennett said. “There is huge emotions, putting so much weight on whether or not you become a spelling bee champion.”
The show runs at the Canmore Miners’ Union Hall at 7:30 p.m. from April 21 to 22, and April 27 to 29. There is also a 2 p.m. matinee show on April 23.
Tickets are available at www.pinetreeplayers.com.
