The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
The Theatre Arts Guild closes its
2012-2013 season at the Pond Playhouse in Halifax with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Recently AE
spoke with the show’s director Jolene Pattison about the production.
How long have you been involved in
theatre, and in what capacity?
JP: I did my first play in a proper theatre (with a printed program and
everything!) in 1979 or 1980 in Yarmouth as part of a school drama program. I
was hooked; since then I have acted, crewed, directed, written, stage managed,
choreographed, and produced. Every new job has been a learning experience and I
think that is why I enjoy theatre so much. Learning energizes me. There are
rumours that my theatrical performances go back much further; however, since
this was before the days of 24/7 social media documentation, I can decline to
comment on the recollections of my school friends that I was always making them
do plays and dance routines.
“…I can decline to comment on the recollections of my
school friends that I was always making them do plays and dance routines.”
How did you get involved with this
particular production?
JP: TAG was looking for a musical to end the season…and I had been thinking
of putting my name forward to direct with them for a while. The artistic
director contacted me and we together came up with the idea of the25th
Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. I am so glad to be working with the team
at TAG – the behind the scenes volunteers are amazing. They are energetic and
committed to supporting community theatre. They offered guidance and support to
me and to the production team for this show. As for choosing this particular
show, I was introduced to the world of spelling bees through the documentary Spellbound
(2002). I don’t really remember spelling bees in my school experience so the
idea of the energy and passion these young people and their parents gave to
competitive spelling fascinated me. Then I saw the cast of the 25th
Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on the Tony Awards….and I fell in love
with the spirit of the show.
What are the challenges in putting
this work together?
JP: The show has a bit of a cult status – so our production has to both be
respectful of the original yet also uniquely our own. The music is also
interesting and challenging. Scott Taylor (musical director) has done a
terrific job of bringing the best out of the cast. Scott also plays in the
show. This would not have been possible without him. The logistics of a show
are always a challenge but I am lucky enough to have Ann Miller producing and
Catherine Coutts stage managing. It may be the smoothest show I have ever had
the pleasure to work on.
“The show has a bit of a cult status – so our
production has to both be respectful of the original yet also uniquely our own.”
What are the rewards?
JP: The cast! They are so talented and generous that every rehearsal has
been fun. I have been inspired by their creativity and energy and teamwork. It
has been a privilege to work with every one of them. There is also the reward of
audience laughter. I can’t wait until we get to perform for people beyond the
production team.
What can audiences expect during the
run?
JP: The show is fun and the singing is wonderful. The cast brings amazing
energy to the story of young people trying to win – and trying to figure out
how and why winning is so important to us. And, of course, each night audience
members can volunteer to join the cast on stage and try to out-spell them. I
think my favorite element of this show is the random element introduced by the
guest spellers. By the way, we will only select from audience members who
volunteer their names – the rest of the audience can just sit back and enjoy!
“…each night audience members can volunteer to join
the cast on stage and try to out-spell them.”
What are your thoughts on the state
of theatre in Halifax, and Atlantic Canada?
JP: Theatre in Halifax seems to be growing and diversifying. Small companies
like Taboo, TheatreSpeak, and Vile Passéist are producing interesting work –
some traditional and some original. New companies seem to be ready to tackle
theatre in new ways –a great example is Camarata Xara, which blurs the boundary
between choral and theatre. I just know I go to the Bus Stop Theatre a lot
these days…and I have never been bored. It may be simplistic to say, but I
think a new generation is hungry for theatre that is different, fresh, and
honest. It is a creative way to deal with the challenges of a changing audience
demographic. One of the things I love seeing is the cross-pollination that can
happen when different groups or artists collaborate. It improves the craft and
grows the audience.
What's next on your own theatrical
agenda?
JP: Well I have done four shows this year –on stage for three (Camelot
the Panto at TAG, Roaring Girl with Vile Passéist, Mikado with
Gilbert and Sullivan) and one in the director’s chair (Spelling Bee).
All have been musicals so it may be time to do a drama. I am looking forward to
pondering this question as I relax over the summer.
The
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
June 20 – July 7, 2013
