Friday, May 30, 2014

'Anything Goes' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre will be presenting the tap dancing musical classic, "Anything Goes".

Performances are June 6 - 22 at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and students. Group rates are available.

Launch a quirky boy-meets-girl romance aboard an ocean liner sailing from New York to London in the 1930s and "Anything Goes". This musical comedy, with a stateroom-full of slapstick, tap dancing and forbidden flirtation, follows lovesick stowaway, Billy Crocker, as he tries to win the heart of engaged heiress, Hope Harcourt. With a little willing assistance from nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and public enemy number 13, Moonface Martin, he just might succeed. "Anything Goes" features some of musical theater's most memorable standards, including "I Get A Kick Out of You", "You're the Top", "Friendship" and, lest we forget, "Anything Goes".

The show is directed by Howard Whitmore.

The cast features Joan Aniano as Reno Sweeney, Michael Miguel as Billy Crocker, Jillian Wagner as Hope Harcpurt, Faisal Sheikh as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, Erik Hall as Moonface Martin, Jennifer Guhl as Bonnie Letour, Wesley Loon as Elisha Whitney, Joann Hoffman as Mrs Evangeline Harcourt, Lindsey Jordan as  Purity, Natalie Romeo as Chastity, Christa DiLalo Petti as Charity, Lauren Kolmer as Virtue, Casey Okamoto as Ling, Angel Fan as Ching, James J. Knight as Captain, Michael Beckwith as Persuer, Todd Roman as Steward, Tyron Howard, Jack Tomy, and Alex Portera as Sailors, with an ensemble featuring Kaitlin Geoghegan, Edgar Hidalgo, Kimberly Morris, Kathy Parks, Timothy Price, Diana Puertas, Angela Romeo, Carina Gonzalez, and Emma Beckwith.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Auditions for Kelsey Theater Dance Squad


Kelsey Theater's annual Kelsey Theater Awards ceremony is coming up, and with it come auditions for the 2014 Kelsey Theater Dance Squad.

The Kelsey Theater Dance Squad is a special group devoted specifically to entertaining the audience for the Kelsey Awards. Auditions will be at noon June 21, although showing up earlier is recommended.

Auditionees will need to bring a headshot and their dance resumé, as well as wearing proper dance attire. They must be at least 13 years old.

Auditions will take place inside the Mercer County Community College Dance Studio (PE225). The Dance Studio is located on the second floor of the Physical Education Building (PE Building), which is directly across the street from The Kelsey Theatre. Both are located on the Mercer County Community College Campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Auditions must be prescheduled. To schedule an audition, click here. Within 24 hours of scheduling the audition, an audition form will be emailed that should be brought to auditions filled out. For more information, contact kelseyawards@gmail.com.


Sunday, May 25, 2014

'Open Mic Nite' at the Sayreville Main Street Theatre Company

The Sayreville Main Street Theatre Co. will be holding an "Open Mic Nite".

The event will take place on May 30. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and performances start at 7 p.m. It is $6 to enter or perform.

All performing artists age 14 and up are welcome to perform as long as they provide any needed self accompaniment or CD. All selections must be appropriate for audiences of all ages.

The Main Street Cafe will be serving snacks.

For more information please call (732) 553-1153.

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Casting Call: 'Alice in Wonderland'

Take a journey down the rabbit hole this week, as Sayreville Main Street Theatre Co. holds auditions for Michael Sirotta's "Alice In Wonderland."

Auditions, for children 13 and younger, will be held at 7:30 p.m. May 27 and May 29, with callbacks on May 31. Please prepare up to 16 bars of a song, preferably from musical theater, that showcases your child's voice and acting abilities. Audition songs will be acappella. Children may be asked to sing a scale or read from the script, and may be asked to show improv skills. The show will be directed by Jessica Mennella.

Main Street Theatre is located at 3018 Bordentown Ave., Parlin.

Roles include:

Alice's sister A teenager or larger young person, must be a good singer
Alices 1-5 Five girls, ranging from small to large, with Alice 2 the smallest and Alice 3 the largest; of varying shapes and complexions. All need to sing well, but especially Alices 2, 3 and 4, who have substantial solos.
Dinah A cat played by a very small young person
The White Rabbit A smallish, spry person; some singing
Bottles 1 and 2 Clownish. No singing required, other than general chorus
Ginger Snap A cookie. Clownish. No singing required other than general chorus; can snap fingers
Mouse Clownish. Backup harmony singing required.
Duck Clownish. Backup harmony singing required.
Dodo Clownish. Backup harmony singing required.
Mock Turtle Sad sack; solo vocal.
Caterpillar Preferably a male; snobbish; simple character voice singing part.
Pigeon Tantrum thrower; no singing required other than general chorus.
Cheshire Cats 1 and 2 Two actors, friendly, but teasing. Possibly with heavy Caribbean dialects; solo vocals in a production number.
Cook Snide and rude; nasal backup vocal.
Duchess Snide and rude; lead vocal.
Offstage Baby Voice Nasal backup vocal.
Mad Hatter Snide and rude; character voice singing part.
March Hare Snide and rude; character voice singing part.
Doormouse High soprano vocal; may be staged with small live actor or with a puppet.
Four playing cards The 2, 3, 5 and 9 of Hearts. All clownish. No singing parts required other than general chorus.
Queen of Hearts Large actor, tyrannical; lead vocal in production number; able to belt.
King A little guy, terrified of his wife; constantly fawns on her; no singing part other than general chorus.
Two croquet balls Two very small children able to crawl where directed.
Judge An officious official. No singing part other than general chorus.
Chorus Motley characters who provide movement and vocal backup for staged production numbers.

'Tuesdays with Morrie' at Sayreville Main Street Theatre Company

The Sayreville Main Street Theatre Co. will be presenting Jeffery Hatcher and Mitch Albom's "Tuesdays with Morrie".

The show will run from June 6-14 at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on June 8.Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children.

 Based on the book by Mitch Albom, "Tuesdays with Morrie" is the autobiographical story of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist driven solely by his career, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch happens to catch Morrie's appearance on a television news program and learns that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig's Disease. Mitch is reunited with Morrie, and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life.

It is directed by Brian Remo.        

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Casting Call: 'Kimberly Akimbo'

Circle Players will be holding auditions for David Lindsay Abaire's "Kimberly Akimbo".

Auditions are June 17 and 18 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Callbacks will be June 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. Auditions will consist of readings from the script. All roles are open.  All auditions are at Circle Players, which is located at 416 Victoria Avenue, Piscataway.

 Set in the wilds of New Jersey, "Kimberly Akimbo" is a hilarious and heartrending play about a teenager with a rare condition which causes her body to age four times faster than it should. When she and her family flee Secaucus under dubious circumstances, Kimberly is forced to reevaluate her life while contending with a hypochondriac mother, a rarely sober father, a scam-artist aunt, her own mortality and, most terrifying of all, the possibility of first love.

Characters needed are:

Kimberly A teenage girl, played by a woman in her 60s or 70s.
Buddy 30s -40s Kimberly's father, a beer slugging blue collar worker.
Patti
30s -40s
Kimberly’s mother, a foul mouthed, brash woman who is a hypochondriac and very pregnant. She is torn between loving her daughter and protecting herself from the inevitable early death her daughter’s disease promises.
Debra
25 - 30
Patti’s younger sister. A homeless ex-con who shows up uninvited. Always on the prowl for the next get rich scheme, she’ll enlist anyone necessary to make it happen.
Jeff
16
Kimberly’s nerdy classmate. He works at Zippy Burger, plays Dungeons and Dragons and does anagrams in his spare time. Not the most popular kid in the school.

Rehearsals will start the first week of August, three times a week, days and times to be determined.

 Show dates are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 19-Oct. 4, with one Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. Oct. 5.

 The show will be directed by Jon Heron and produced by Alicia Harabin.

 For more information, email director Jon Herib at circleplayersnj@gmail.com.

'A Great Night for the Whig Party' at Villagers Theatre

The Pavlovian Dog Show will be presenting "A Great Night for the Whig Party" at Villagers Theatre.

The show will perform May 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and are available online.

The Pavlovian Dog Show is a trio of New Jersey performers who have come together to write silly, smart, and original comedy sketches guaranteed to have you rolling. From Batman to Star Wars, from ancient Rome to your high school reunion, there's nothing these comedians can't put an original twist on, complete with special guest stars, stand-up acts, and musical interludes.

"A Great Night for the Whig Party" is presented as a part of Villagers' Special Events Series and produced by The Pavlovian Dog Show.

The show is written, produced, directed by, and featuring Mike Patierno, Claudio M. Venacio, and Ryan Kennedy Correl, with guest stars Frank Falisi and Megan Stone.

It is hosted by Carolina Hidalgo.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

'Defying Gravity' at Circle Players

circleplayers001001.gifCircle Players will be presenting "Defying Gravity" by Jane Anderson.

The show will perform June 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28 at 8 p.m. and June 29 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $17 for seniors and students. No credit cards accepted at the box office.For reservations and information, call 732-968-7555.

This free structured look at the 1986 Challenger disaster places the teacher who died with six others as they hurtled into space at the center of an exploration of our need to reach beyond ourselves and dare the universe. It interweaves the past with the present and the lives of participants and bystanders, drawing parallels among painter Claude Monet’s artistic quest, the zest of the teacher selected to the first civilian astronaut, the perspectives of her grieving daughter, the aspirations of elderly tourists who drive their Winnebago to Florida to watch the space shot and dream of hotels in space, the guilt felt by a NASA mechanic and his girl friend’s fear of heights.

There will be a wine and cheese party after the opening night's performance.

The show is directed by Tina Lee.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Call for Submissions: Sayreville Main Street Theatre Co.

Sayreville Main Street Theatre Co. is looking for experienced and visionary directors with a dedication to community theatre, to propose productions for its 2015 season.

The season should consist a play for the winter, a musical for the spring, a junior musical for the summer, a musical for late summer or early fall, a play for the fall, and a holiday musical in December.

Send submissions to playselection@smstc.org. Include your resume, contact information, and up to three submissions with a full synopsis of the proposed play or musical, a brief statement of your production vision for set, costumes, lights and sound, and financial considerations for the show.

Also include your history of past local productions and/or future scheduled productions.

Main Street Theatre is located at 3018 Bordentown Avenue, Parlin.

Casting Call: 'Gypsy'

Villagers Theatre is looking for some teens for an upcoming production of "Gypsy."

A musical with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents, "Gypsy" is loosely based on the 1957 memoirs of famous burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee. It follows Gypsy Lee's mother, Rose, and she tries to raise two daughters to perform onstage.

Auditions will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. May 15 and 18, for actors 8 to 12 years old and from 7-10 p.m. for actors 13-19 years old.  Prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theatre piece written after 1960 and reflecting the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided. Bring appropriate dance clothing as you may be asked to dance during your audition. Callbacks are from 6-10:30 p.m. on May 21.

The show requires a total 15 to 17 strong actors, no older than 19.

This production will begin rehearsals on May 26 and rehearse for an intense six-week period. A more detailed rehearsal outline will be provided at auditions. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays July 25 to Aug. 10.

This production is directed by Corey Rubel, musically directed by François Suhr, and choreographed by Jillian Kimberlin.

For additional information or questions, please contact Producer Donna Kimberlin at donna@villagerstheatre.com.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

'Her Dream, My Nightmare' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre's New Playwrights Series will be presenting "Her Dream, My Nightmare" by Tiffany L. Wilson.

The show will take place on May 19 at 8 p.m. Admission is free.

This controversial and enlightening production deals with issues such as, religious values, judging others, same-sex relationships, the search for success, the right time for marriage, and self-awareness. When newly Born Again Valarie gives her live in boyfriend Bo an ultimatum - marry her or no more sex - Bo decides to move out. He moves in with his friend and business partner Shelby, a successful club owner. She is a Lesbian and her girlfriend Tricia is unhappy about the new arrangement. As the plot thickens, friendship and loyalties are tested and a massive web of secrets and lies intertwine. What will be the outcome?

"Her Dream, My Nightmare" is directed by Nichole Lippey, with a cast featuring Ithamar O. Francois, Fredo Rengifo, Jenne Carey, Tiff Salmon, Brionna Castillo, Kelika Anderson, Sharon Lucus, Robert Lewis, and Al-Meisha Lee.

Saturday, May 10, 2014

'Jeus Christ Superstar" at Sayreville Main Street Theatre

There are four performances left of "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Sayreville Main Street Theatre Co.


Set in two acts and framed largely around the person of Judas Iscariot, "Jesus Christ Superstar" dramatizes the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the unrest caused by his preaching and popularity, his betrayal by Judas, the trial before Pontius Pilate, and his Crucifixion.

Remaining show times are at 8 p.m. May 10, May 16 and May 17; and at 2 p.m. May 18. Tickets are vailable online.

The first collaboration between Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber to be performed on the professional stage, "Jesus Christ Superstar" features such notable songs as "Superstar," "Heaven on Their Minds" and "I Don't Know How To Love Him."

Presented by special arrangement with Rodgers & Hammerstein, the show is produced by Peter Bobchin, directed by Vince Tinebra, musically directed by A.J. Meeker, and choreographed by Samantha Tirone.

Main Street Theatre is located at 3018 Bordentown Avenue, Parlin.

Casting Call: 'Li'l Abner'

M&M Stage Productions will hold auditions for "Li'l Abner" next weekend at of Kelsey Theater.

The play is based on Al Capp's long-running comic strip about a clan of hillbillies living in Dogpatch, Ark. The original musical opened on Broadway at the St. James Theater on November 15, 1956, and had a run of 693 performances, followed by a nationwide tour.

The plot is as follows: As Sadie Hawkins Day approaches, Daisy Mae hopes to win the hand of Li'l Abner by catching him in the traditional race in Dogpatch. A senator tells the residents of Dogpatch that their town is to be used as an atomic bomb testing ground unless they can find something necessary about it.

Meanwhile, Earthquake McGoon wants to marry Daisy Mae, who wants to marry Li'l Abner, who wants to fish. Mammy's Yokumberry Tonic must be the answer to everyone's prayers, but General Bullmoose wants the tonic and tries to trap Abner into marrying his attractive but ditzy secretary, Appassionata. Daisy pledges herself to Earthquake in exchange for rescuing Abner from Bullmoose. In the end, Yokumberry Tonic saves the day.

Prospective actors will need to sing a song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided. Actors also should bring clothes suitable for dancing, a resume, and a headshot.

Auditions will run from noon-5 p.m. May 17 and 18, at the CM building on Mercer County Community College. To make an appointment, contact auditions@mandmstage.com. M&M Stage Productions' website is mandmstage.com.

CharacterDescriptionVocal range
Li'l Abner YokumA beefy, strong, sincere, not not-so-bright stud.Tenor/Baritone
Daisy MaeAbner's devoted girlfriend. Innocent, shapely.Mezzo
Marryin' SamLoud and good-natured marriage broker.Tenor
Earthquake McGoonAbner's rival in ove for Daisy MaeBass
General BullmooseAn evil "entrepreneur.Baritone
Appasionata von ClimaxBullmoose's shapely secretary.
Mammy YokumAbner's domineering mother.
Pappy YokumAbner's henpecked father.
Stupefyin' JonesDrop-dead gorgeous. Any male who glimpses her freezes.
Dr. FinsdaleBaritone
Dr. SmithbornBaritone)
Dr. KrogmeyerBaritone
Dr. SchliefetzBaritone
Large chorus of townsfolk


Friday, May 9, 2014

'Rong Nao Tumi' at Edison Valley Playhouse

Edison Valley Playhouse and Sararattir Theatre Productions will present the bilingual play "Rong Nao Tumi" for one weekend late this month.

"Rong Nao Tumi" paints the story of an immigrant family — one that stayed together through thick and thin, huddled together to ride upsetting and tormenting waves of uncertainties and tribulations on a foreign land — until they faced a major crisis that threatens to break them into irrelevant disconnected splinters.

In the eye of the storm is a single mother who raised her only daughter, a shy misfit in school, into a confident young woman. Now, however, the mother is facing the engulfing trial on her own integrity.

Through a serious of twists and turns, the complex emotional fabric unravels.

This play will have English supertitles.

Conceived and written by Indranil Mukherjee, "Rong Nao Tumi" is designed and directed by Subhasis Das, with music and ambience by Parthasarathi Mukhopadhaya.

The show will run for two performances only: at 6 p.m. May 31, and at 5 p.m. June 1. Tickets cost $15 each, or $25 for two, and are available online.

Edison Valley Playhouse is located at 2196 Oak Tree Rd, Edison, NJ 08820.

'Time Stands Still' at Edison Valley Playhouse


Edison Valley Playhouse will host six weekend performances of "Time Stands Still," beginning May 9.

"Time Stands Still" is the story of real-life couple Sarah, a photograpger, and James, a writer, who work together as war correspondents. When a car bomb severely injures Sarah, she comes home to recuperate in the Brooklyn loft she and James share. It soon becomes clear that she is eager to return to where the action is, while he’s relieved to be away from the terror and bloodshed.

Meanwhile, their editor, Richard, drops by with his much-younger girlfriend, Mandy, a happy-go-lucky event planner who can’t understand why journalists simply record what they see rather than actively try to stop the violence.

Directed by Gina Shuster, "Time Stands Still" will run from May 9-18, with performances at 2014 at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays.

The original production of "Time Stands Still," by Donald Margulies, enjoyed an extended sold-out run at Manhattan Theatre Club's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, and was nominated for two Tony Awards, including Best Play. This production stars Jill Mesonas, C.J. Nolan, Russell Ortiz and Tammy Owens.

Tickets cost $15 for adults, and $12 for students and senior citizens. Tickets are available online, or by calling the box office at (908) 755-4654.

Edison Valley Playhouse is located at 2196 Oak Tree Road, Edison.

'Falsettos' at Villagers Theatre

Starting this weekend, Villagers Theatre will be presenting "Falsettos".

The show will be running from May 9 to May 18 at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $15 each. Group rates are not available.

Marvin seems to have the perfect New York, Jewish family-a caring wife, Trina, and a son, Jason. Marvin just happens to be a befuddled bisexual. In the course of this lively musical tale Marvin leaves Trina for Whizzer, a man, Trina marries Mendel, the family psychiatrist, Jason struggles amidst all the turmoil, and Marvin ends up alone. Years later, on the eve of Jason's bar mitzvah, Marvin reunites with Whizzer, just as AIDS begins its insidious spread. "Falsettos" is a combination of the one-act shows "March Of The Falsettos" and "Falsettoland".

The show features Drew Cyburt as Marvin, Mark Piltz Jr. as Whizzer, Cindy Chait as Trina, Stephen Belfatti as Mendel, Matthew Cox as Jason, Barbara Gurskey as Dr. Charlotte, and Cristy Miller as Cordelia.

The show is produced by Joe Buz, directed by Darren Nye, musically directed by Rory Chalcraft, stage managed by David Learn, with lighting by Dan Schulze, and Ruth Learn, Eowyn Learn, and Laura Christine Zahorbenski as stage crew.

'Falsettos' opens at Villagers Theatre



What happens when a married man falls in love with another man?

Sometimes hilarious and sometimes heart-rending, "Falsettos" opens at 8 p.m. May 9 at Villagers Theatre in Somerset, with with a book by James Lapine and William Finn and music and lyrics by Finn.

"Falsettos" is directed by Darren Nye, with musical direction by Rory Chalcraft. The cast includes Drew Cyburt as Marvin, Cindy Chait as Trina, Mark Piltz Jr. as Whizzer, Stephen Belfatti as Mendel, Matthew Cox as Jason, Barbara Gurskey as Dr. Charlotte, and Cristy Miller as Cordelia.

The show will run through May 18, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays.

All seats cost $15.

Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset. For more information, call (732) 873-2710.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

'A Streetcar Named Desire' in Westfield

New Orleans comes to New Jersey this month,when Westfield Community Players presents Tennessee Williams' Pulizer-winning drama, "A Streetcar Named Desire."

Directed by Brian Remo and produced by Steve Lemenille, the show opens at 8 p.m. May 10, at Westfield Community Players, 1000 North Ave. W., Westfield. The show will include performances at 8 p.m. May 17, 30 and 31; and at 3 p.m. May 11 and May 18.

Tickets cost $20, or $10 for students with current school ID, at matinees only;  and $10 for current military personnel. For tickets, call the box office at (908) 232-1221 or visit the troupe's web site.

"A Streetcar Named Desire" features Kristin Barber Furlong, James Walsh, Laura Casey, Kristina Hernandez Flannery, Mike Burdick, Patrick Field, Peter Curley, Morgan Vasquez, Joe Lacerda and Steve Lemenille.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Masterclass: Musical Theater Auditions

circleplayers024001.jpgCircle Players will hold a class May 31 on how to audition successfully for musical theater.

The class starts at 10 a.m. and will run for a few hours. Registration is available online, and costs $20.

This class will help students learn more about the audition process and how to prepare, how to manage nerves, and what to expect after the audition is complete.

This workshop will begin with warm-ups, followed by an explanation of how to make an effective song selection, and then sample auditions from class participants. The class will also include audition critiques given by the instructor, with additional comments from classmates.

Participants should come prepared with sheet music for a song they want to work on during class. They should dress comfortably and bring a water bottle.

The class will be taught by John Watson, an experienced pianist and musical director.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Casting Call: '25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' at Skylight Theatre

Dunellen Skylight Theatre Productions will hold auditions mid-May for "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."

The show chronicles the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser.

With music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin, with additional material by Jay Reiss, the show will be directed by Jason F. Cilento and will feature choreography by Kaitlyn Chattin.

Auditions will take place at the Dunellen Senior Center, 234 Orange St., Dunellen, from 6-9 p.m.  May 12 and May 13. Callbacks will be held from 3-7 p.m. May 17. Performances will be Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Aug. 15-24.

Rehearsals will take place in the Dunellen Senior Center, with performances at Washington Memorial Park in Dunellen.

For your audition, please prepare a 32-bar selection from a song that showcases vocal range and dynamics, as well as an ability to communicate through the song. The show requires improvisational skills and features audience interaction and participation. An accompanist will be available at auditions.

Actors may be any age, from teens on up. For more information, please contact dunellenskylight@yahoo.com

Character Breakdown:


CharacterCharacter DescriptionVocal Range
Carl DadSchwarzy's main trainer, the more intense and competitive of Schwarzy's fathers.G3 - D5
Chip TolentinoAn athletic, social Boy Scout, and champion of the 24th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Chip returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment.C4 - B5
Dan DadThe more laid-back and ineffectual of Schwarzy's fathersG3 - D5
Douglas PanchThe vice principal. After five years' absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. There was an "incident" at the 20th annual bee, but Panch claims to be in "a better place" now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affections.
Jesus ChristDeity invoked by a speller in need.
Leaf ConeybearThe second runner-up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is homeschooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. He has attention deficit disorder and spells words correctly while in a trance.A3 - A5
Leaf's mom, dad and siblingsAll more academically gifted than Leaf, they are even more surprised than he is by his success.
Logainne Schwartzandgrunenierre (Schwartzy)Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. She is somewhat of a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and will be back next year.A3 - F5
Marcy ParkA recent transfer from Virginia, Marcy placed ninth in last year’s nationals. She speaks six languages, is a member of all-American hockey team, is a championship rugby player, plays Chopin and Mozart on multiple instruments, sleeps only three hours a night, hides in the bathroom cabinet, and is getting very tired of always winning. She is the poster child for overachievers, and attends a Catholic school called "Our Lady of Intermittent Sorrows." She is also not allowed to cry.C4 - E5
Mitch MahoneyThe official comfort counselor. An ex-convict, Mitch is performing his community service with the bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He has no idea how to offer comfort, but does find himself wishing he could find a way to make the kids feel better.E4 - A5
Olive OstrovskyA young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the bee. Having found comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition. She starts enormously shy, and shyly blossoms.B3 - F5
Olive's dadA fantasy version of Olive's dad coming to the bee from work.E4 - B5
Olive's momA fantasy version of Olive's mom at her ashram in India.D4 - E5
Rona Lisa PerettiThe top Realtor in Putnam County, a former spelling champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children, but she can be very stern when it comes to dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her interest in the competition is unflagging and drives it forward.B3 - F5
William BarfeeA finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous “Magic Foot” method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory, even though he only has one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. He develops a crush on Olive.E4 - B5

'High School Musical 2' at Villagers Theatre

This weekend only, Villagers Theatre will be presenting "High School Musical 2".

The show will be performing at 8 p.m. on Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. All tickets are $10 and are available online. 

On the last day of junior year the East High gang can't wait to get the summer started - they're ready for summer jobs, money for college and to have fun. To that end, Troy gets them all jobs at Lava Springs Country Club - which happens to be owned by popular girl Sharpay's father! While Sharpay schemes to steal Troy's heart from Gabriella, her brother Ryan hopes to win the Star Dazzle Award. Everything comes to a head at the talent show where the group has to remember their motto - all for one, and one for all.