The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Reviews

Daily Herald - Highly Recommended

"...Director Stephen Schellhardt?s production is clever with Morgan DiFonzo?s choreography referencing the musical ?Six? and director/choreographer Busby Berkeley among its visual flourishes. It?s also current (there are fleeting references to the Gulf of Mexico, ?Beetlejuice?-loving politicians and Jan. 6 insurrectionists). But the strength of Schellhardt?s sensitive but not overly sentimental revival is its truthfulness; its personable cast accompanied by conductor Cameron Tragesser?s tight, bright quintet and its good humor, of which Schellhardt?s production has an endless supply."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...The songs are delicious and the musicians are never overpowering. Each performer/speller has their own specialty number making the show much more personable. Chip (Dantes) has a number that opens up the second act that is quite hilarious ( and very adult) as he was a loser in the first act and now, because of his ?problem? he is forced to sell concessions, rather than compete. Barfee ( pronounced BARFAY) finds himself falling for his competitor as he reaches for the title and his way of spelling with his foot is quite fun to watch."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...This production is guaranteed to give audiences of all ages great pleasure and enjoyment. Don?t miss this show. Paramount Theatre?s new, intimate production of THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is absolutely Delightful in every possible way!"

Buzz Center Stage - Highly Recommended

"...With its clever writing, charmingly oddball characters, and emotionally resonant storytelling, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee proves that even something as seemingly mundane as a spelling competition can be transformed into a magical, uproariously funny, and deeply moving theatrical experience."

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...Under the masterful direction of Stephen Schellhardt, the show takes a veritable island of misfit characters and captures something universal about youthful competition and the way in which adults interfere in the development of children, both positively and negatively. The production successfully taps into the heart of William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin?s Tony Award-winning musical, striking a beautiful balance between humor and heartfelt moments that leave a lasting impact on the audience."

Allie and the After Party - Highly Recommended

"...This production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is sure to please long time fans and new ones alike as the cast delivers on the fun and quirkiness of each of their characters. With a realistic set design, we feel like we are right in the spelling bee ourselves watching the action."

BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended

"...I L-O-V-E you. Three simple words that can change a life. The newest production at the Copley Theatre in Aurora is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. It's the story of "12" year olds competing in a spelling bee. Under the direction of Jeff Award-winning Stephen Schellhardt and a set designed by Lauren M. Nichols showcasing a gymnasium, this group of actors brings forth the anxieties, awkwardness, innocence, doubt, fear and ultimately joy of this age group."