Director's Note:
When approaching each new project, I love to start with the words that the author has given me to work with. This project is no exception! The words that Rachel Sheinkin selected for us to spell and sing not only inspired my direction, but hopefully will inspire your conversations after you leave.
I have had such a great time here at Olympia Family Theater. My husband Jeremiah and I raised our two kids Kendall and Taylor participating in their programs! This cast, crew, pit, and everyone involved here are spectacular. It only supports my belief in how many talented artists we have here in Olympia. I love where I live and I love what I do. Thank you for being here tonight. Enjoy the show!!
– Robin Tuckett, Director
Musical Director's Note:
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling is a sonic treat that encompasses a broad range of musical genres from neo-soul and jazz to golden age references that contrast the more contemporary sounds of modern musical theater. The more I got to know the score, the more I came to appreciate the attention to detail in the leitmotifs used to accompany each character throughout their journey at the bee. From Rona’s moments that begin as ecstatic updates of the bee and majestically descend into ballads of former glories, to the more square and punctual elements of Marcy’s music (who is “all business”), the goofy elements of Leaf’s music that sound as put together as the colorful chunks of fabric he stitched to wear at the bee, and even the frenetic sound of Logainne’s theme that is reminiscent of the all-encompassing anxiety we’ve all faced in our tween years- each musical element is informed by the inner workings and outward expressions of every character. And to make sure the musical elements properly enriched the story telling of this show, it was instrumental that I found the right people for the job. I am eternally grateful that my dear friend Audrey agreed to take on what is arguably the toughest role of the entire show- accompanying the entire show at every performance AND rehearsal! Additionally, I want to give many MANY thanks to my band who have sacrificed a great deal to be here and perform an incredible amount of music – Eli, Laura, Larissa, and Lynlea. These musicians infuse the house with music that makes you want to dance, music that moves you to your core, and music that will follow you long after the actors take their final bow.
On with the show!
– Anya Guadamuz, Musical Director
Estimated duration:
1 hour and 45 minutes with a 15 minute intermission
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CAST:
Zachary Clark – Charlito “Chip” Tolentino
Alex Daugherty – Logainne “Schwartzy” SchwartzandGrubenierre
Ethan Hechanova – Leaf Coneybear
Sullivan Tyler – William Barfée
Chloe Swanson – Marcy Park
Maisy Rutledge – Olive Ostrovsky
Kaiah Costa – Jane Guadamuz & Swing
Soap Khan – Peter Pringle & Swing
Madeleine Roy – Rona Lisa Peretti
James Dover – Vice Principal Douglas Panch
Haley Paine – Mitch Mahoney
CREATIVE CREW:
Robin Tuckett– Director
Anya Guadamuz – Musical Director & Band Leader
Elijah Bellis – Stage Manager
Vanessa Cat – Light/Sound/Prop Designer & Choreographer
Jordanna Averett – Set Designer & Scenic Artist
Emma Thomas – Costume Designer
Chloe Swanson – Dance Captain
Arianna Patterson – Sound Board Engineer & Operator
Cooper Wolfram – Spotlight Operator & Sound Engineer
BAND:
Audrey Spinazola – Piano
Eli Moffatt – Percussion
Lynlea Swanson – Cello
Larissa Riley – Saxophone
Laura Johnson – Flute
SPECIAL THANKS!
Thanks to the following people and organizations that helped us put this production on stage!
Mike Taylor
Nova Rupert
Joe Green
Timberline High School
CAST BIOS:
Zachary Clark
(he/him)
Charlito "Chip" Tolentino
It’s the return of the Zach, back for his 7th production at Olympia Family theater. Returning after over 5 years away from the theater, you may have seen Zach “most recently” in the ensemble of Wind in the Willows, as the Rat in 3 Impossible Questions, or as Tiny Tim in A Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol. Zach is excited to be performing with some familiar faces, and some new. You can see him outside of OFT at The Evergreen State College where he studies marine biology. Zach would like to thank his mother, his #1 fan.
Alex Daugherty
(she/her)
Logainne "Schwartzy" SchwartzandGrubenierre
This is Alex’s third show with OFT and she is beyond excited to play the role of Logainne, one of her dream roles! Alex is a recent graduate from Saint Martin’s University with a Bachelor’s in Theatre Arts in hopes of fulfilling her lifelong dream of being an actor by night and bookseller by day! Some other theatre projects she is currently part of is being an actor and costume designer for a student film project called the Phantom Regret at her old college as well as Assistant Director for Pacific Northwest Theatre! If she is not acting, she is either reading, playing ukulele, or putting on dramatic plays in front of her bathroom mirror. Alex hopes, by the end of this show, she will finally be able to spell definently.
Ethan Hechanova
(he/him)
Leaf Coneybear
Ethan Hechanova is delighted to be performing in his first production with Olympia Family Theater. Ethan is a former flying trapeze artist touring for POP Circus in Japan. His past productions include On the Town, Beauty and the Beast, and The Music Man. Outside of the theater, Ethan spends most of his time sewing and going to concerts.
Sullivan Tyler
(he/him)
William Barfée
Sullivan is excited to return to the OFT stage. You may have seen him in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical as Mr. D. From D&D to teaching classes at OFT, Sullivan is ready to bring his magical improv skills to the table. 25th Annual is one of his favorite shows of all time and he is ecstatic to be performing it alongside friends.
Chloe Swanson
(she/her)
Marcy Park
Dance Captain
Chloe is a running start student at South Puget Sound Community College. She’s been involved in theatre, dance, and singing since she was little. In the past she has performed as Percy Jackson in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, The Leading Player in Pippin, Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, SpongeBob in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, and most recently Rodney in Small Mouth Sounds over at SPSCC. She’s happy to be back for her second show here at OFT, and is so grateful for the opportunity to work on this sweet, quirky, feel good show.
Maisy Rutledge
(she/her)
Olive Ostrovsky
Maisy Rutledge is a junior and Drama Club Officer at Olympia High School. She is absolutely thrilled to be playing Olive, it is a dream come true! Previously, Maisy has played The Lady of the Lake in Spamalot!, Annabeth Chase in The Lightning Thief, Alice Beineke in The Addams Family, and Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods. When she’s not acting Maisy takes voice lessons, spends time with friends and family, performs with Keys to Connection, and hangs out with her cats. She would like to thank her family for being so supportive, her sister for being her real life Olive, and her cats Gary and Louie. She would also like to thank Olympia Family Theater for giving her this opportunity to be involved in another amazing show.
Kaiah Costa
(she/her)
Jane Guadamuz
& Swing
Kaiah is excited to be part of Spelling Bee, a production that includes so many people she loves! Kaiah can be seen around OFT serving on the board, on stage, and behind it. Previous OFT roles include Mirror Toad in The Wind in the Willows, Toto in The Wizard of Oz, Kanga in The House on Pooh Corner, and numerous daytime show appearances. She has worked as a tech at OFT on Barney Carey Gets His Wings, Honk!, and The Giver. Outside of OFT Kaiah works as an archaeologist. She would like to thank the cast and crew, as well as the employees and volunteers at OFT!
Soap Khan
(they/he)
Peter Pringle
& Swing
Soap Khan is thrilled to be performing in their second Olympia Family Theater production. A student at the Evergreen State College, his previous acting experience has taken place through the Evergreen Theatre Club’s Discus (Hyacinth), Tick, Tick… BOOM! (Michael), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Linus), and Olympia Family Theater’s Honk! (Drake). Beyond theater, he sings in the Evergreen Chamber Singers and plays horn with the SPSCC Orchestra. They would like you to reflect on how you may resonate with the characters in Spelling Bee regardless of your age – do you also find yourself in awkward states of growth that result in similar struggles? What are ways that you find yourself different from other people, and how can you be understanding of others in this universal experience of difference?
Madeleine Roy
(any pronouns)
Rona Lisa Peretti
Madeleine Roy has been active in the local theatre community for many years. Some of her favorite roles have been as Vivienne Kensington from Legally Blonde The Musical with Broadway Olympia Productions and Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family with Tenino-Young-at-Heart Theatre. Madeleine has a bachelor’s degree in Law and Criminal Justice and a minor in Theatre from Central Washington University. In her free time, she enjoys writing, acting, singing and spending time with her cats. She would like to thank her family, friends and vocal teacher, Paul Brassey, for all of her success. She hopes you enjoy the show and remember to play it with love.
James Dover
(he/him)
Vice Principal Douglas Panch
James Dover is an Olympia-born theatre performer with a passion for bringing stories to life on stage. During his time at Central Washington University; he directed several new works, his favorite was a full-length play titled Circe & Nyx, during which he put his creativity to the test by constructing a larger than life dragon puppet. After graduating with his BA in Theatre Arts, James began teaching theatre in Seattle, directing children’s classics such as Shrek, The Addams Family, and Into The Woods. Now, he is thrilled to step out from behind the scenes and onto the stage!
Haley Paine
(she/they)
Mitch Mahoney
Haley Paine is thrilled to be back in the world of theatre creating art. Some of her favorite past roles include Bonnie in Anything Goes and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, both of which allowed her to embrace her love for dynamic and spirited characters. In addition to performing, Haley has also worked behind the scenes, stage managing Angels in America at SPSCC. After some time away from the stage, she is excited to dive in and share the magic of live performance with her fellow castmates and community.
CREW BIOS:
Robin Tuckett
(she/her)
Director
Robin watched her two girls grow performing at Olympia Family Theater and is so excited to be directing here. Robin found a love for theatre watching Patti LuPone on a PBS special. Since then she has dedicated her life to the craft of musical theatre. She became a performer herself playing in New York playhouses and all over the Puget Sound eventually getting her masters degree at The Evergreen State College. She has taught theatre at Yelm and Timberline High School and believes all students should have access to quality arts programs. Robin would love to thank the undying support of her partner Jeremiah and her incredible daughters Kendall and Taylor. She also wants to thank this audience. Believe us, we could not have done it without you!
Anya Guadamuz
(any pronouns)
Musical Director & Band Leader
Anya Guadamuz is over the moon to make their Music Directing debut this season at OFT with such a fantastic show! This is Anya’s third season with OFT and in the past you may have seen them in roles such as: stage manager, vocal director, director, and their favorite- teaching kids to form a love for musical theater. Anya is a current masters student, obtaining their degree in teaching and hopes to teach music, theater, and/or choir in the public schools! Anya is also a practicing astrologer, free-lance voice teacher, and sings with the Capital City Chorus. In their spare time, Anya enjoys playing the guitar, making friendship bracelets, attending concerts, and supporting the local drag & burlesque scene. Anya would like to extend a huge thank you to their family and best friends for all of their endless support during busy show seasons, as well as a thank you to the wonderful teachers & mentors they have had the honor of learning from!
Elijah Bellis
(he/they)
Stage Manager
Elijah is so excited to be making his stage management debut at OFT! Elijah is a musical director and lighting designer whose work has spanned the Puget Sound. Lighting credits include The Giver, Honk!, and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at OFT, The Laramie Project and Into the Woods Jr. at Lakewood Playhouse, Beauty and the Beast and Our Town at North Thurston High School. Musical credits include Honk! and The Lightning Thief at OFT, Godspell and Six: Teen Edition at Lakewood Playhouse, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and Tick, Tick…Boom! at The Evergreen State College, Spamalot: Teen Edition and Honk! Jr. at Tacoma Little Theatre. He is so grateful to be part of this production and he extends his gratitude to his friends and family for their never ending support in his many theatrical endeavors.
Vanessa Cat
(she/her)
Light/Sound/Prop Designer & Choreographer
Vanessa is an Olympia based Performing Artist, Dancer, Choreographer, Producer, Musician, Actor, Teaching Artist, mama and lover of cats. With over 20 years of experience in theater and performance both on and off the stage, she is deeply grateful to be part of this production at OFT alongside an incredible creative team, a rockstar cast, and a wonderfully talented crew and admin team. She thanks you for being here and hopes you enjoy the show!
Jordanna Averett
(she/her)
Set Designer &
Scenic Artist
Jordanna is an Olympia artist and theater creative. She is happy to continue her work as OFT’s scenic artist, set designer, and carpenter for the 2024-25 season with this loveable production of Spelling Bee. Other recent work includes assisting the artistry for SPSCC’s Small Mouth Sounds, designing props for Harlequin’s Sweeney Todd, and helping build String and Shadow’s last two giant puppet shows: Ship of Fools and Or So it Would Seam. All my love to Danny.
Emma Thomas
(she/her)
Costume Designer
Emma is thrilled to be part of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! She studied theatre and TESOL at Central Washington University and has previously been seen onstage and off at Olympia Family Theater, Olympia Little Theatre, and Olympia High School. Most recently, she stage managed Honk! At OFT. She would like to thank Alayna for asking her to design the costumes for this wonderful show.
Arianna Patterson
(she/her)
Sound Board Engineer & Operator
Arianna is a senior at Shelton High School. She has had 4 years of experience working with sound, including 11 highschool performances like Freaky Friday, The Addams Family, and The Wizard of Oz, and many traveling performances at the Shelton High School PAC. She was stoked to have the opportunity to work with the Olympia Family Theater community and the opportunity to broaden her experiences here. The experience and people she has met are phenomenal. She wants to thank everyone for their incredible care, kindness, and patience.
Cooper Wolfram
(he/him)
Spotlight Operator & Sound Engineer
Cooper is so excited to be a part of the crew for Olympia Family Theater’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. This has been such a welcoming group and has been amazing to work with.
BAND BIOS:
Audrey Spinazola
(she/her)
Piano
Like most of us, Audrey Spinazola is super cool and can do lots of things. In lieu of attending college to become a classical pianist, she attended two conservatory programs for clowning and physical theater. In the decade after she has stilted for the Seattle Kraken, spent three years as program manager for the American Youth Circus Organization, worked for two hospital clown programs and juggled on MythBusters. She now coaches and is on the leadership team at Olympia’s local circus space, Sparrow Studios. Music has always been an important part of her life and Audrey is thrilled to return to focusing on piano for Olympia Family Theater and hopes to continue to find reasons to play with friends. Enjoy the show!
Eli Moffatt
(he/him)
Percussion
Theater has always had a special place in Eli Moffatt’s heart, which is why he is so excited to be playing for Spelling Bee at OFT! Having graduated from Central Washington University, Eli has played with numerous ensembles at CWU, being a part of their highly respected Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Jazz Band programs. Since college, Eli has played percussion for local ensembles such as Northwest Wind Symphony and Capitol Area Concert Band, and has also been called to play drumset in musicals such as Little Shop of Horrors, Bye Bye Birdie, and Hairspray! Eli also has a passion for teaching, and has taught as a substitute music teacher in various school districts as well as teaching private drum lessons at Music1st in Olympia. When not playing his instrument, Eli can be found hiking various trails in Olympia, listening to music, and watching movies.
Lynlea Swanson
(she/her)
Cello
Lynlea is a music student at SPSCC and has been playing the cello for nine years. She plays in the SPSCC Community Orchestra and plans to go into music education. This is Lynlea’s first production with OFT and it’s also really special because her sister, Chloe, is in the cast! A big thank you to the band, cast and crew of this fun and spectacular show!
Larissa Riley
(she/her)
Saxophone
Larissa Riley is ecstatic to be joining OFT’s band! Larissa grew up in Meeteetse, Wyoming and has always had a passion for music. She started piano lessons when she was four and has since learned to play eight other instruments. Larissa’s leadership during high school earned her the title of Music President. In 2020, Larissa joined the Cody High School marching band and led as Low Brass Section Leader her senior year. In 2021, she toured with the Wyoming All-State Marching Band. More recently, Larissa was a member of the Cougar Marching Band at Washington State University. Larissa believes that music has the power to bring people together, and she is excited to be part of this production, collaborating with talented musicians and performers. Larissa extends heartfelt appreciation to her friends and family for their unwavering support in all her adventures. Enjoy the show!
Laura Johnson
(she/her)
Flute
Laura Johnson is so excited to be playing for Spelling Bee at OFT! Laura has played for high school and college flute choirs, the Bye Bye Birdie pit band, and other high school and college ensembles. When not playing their instrument they can be found digging in the dirt, listening to podcasts, and paddle boarding.
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Special Thanks to our MEMBERS:
Ensamble Members:
Kerry Beardsley
Michael Corcoran
Laura Deaton
Jennifer Guyant
Marcia Haggerty
Bonnie Jacques
Leah Kosik
Tom Lockhart
Hugh McGavick
Donna Myers
Pier Petersen
Cara Preuss
Diana Purvine
Ryan Rodriquez
Katie Stemmene
Christopher Taylor
Janelle Tyler
Aaron Wiggett
Director’s Circle Members:
Krishna Chowdary
Trina and Gary Delaney
Toni Dewees
Lori Fascilla
Susan Faubion
Lacy Fehrenbach
Korja Giles
Wally and Linda Mead
Jeannie Simpson
Kenneth Thiessen
Members:
Dave Alford
Jay Allen
Susan L Allen
Bret & Mary Anderson
Patricia Atkins
Victoria Book
Stefanie Booth
Priscilla Bowerman
Linda Boyer
Martha S Buck
Edsonya Charles
Leslie Christenson
Wanda A Cross
Thaddeus Curtz
Carolyn Darrow
Marisa Dillard
Marla Elliot
Christopher Ertel
Lori Fascilla
William Gallin
Lee Ann Gekas
Korja Giles
Karen Hanan
Elizabeth J Hauser
Carolee Johnson
Kursta Joslin
Amy Keltner
Leah Kosik
Jonathan LeFaive
Kelly Leonard
John Linderman
Thomas Lockhart
Vicki Lovegren
Pamela Lykins
Valerie Lynn
Britt Madsen
Claudia McClain
Linda Mead
Nicole Miller
Patricia Mix
Patricia Moore
Donna Myers
David and Jane Nowitz
Penny Purkerson
Diana & Stephen Purvine
Melanie Ransom
Karen Ray
Stacey Ray
Jena Regan
Jerry Romasco
Sarah Rossman
Kristi Rutledge
Lillian Ryan
Jennifer Ryle
Alexis Sarah
Deane Shellman
Jeannie Simpson
Patricia Starzyk
Amanda Stevens
Oliver Stormshak
Trista & Michael Tempke
Tracy and Eric Thomas
Angela Tobias
Cathy Wasserman
Eli Wasserman
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ORGANIZATION CREDITS:
OFT Staff
Alayna Chamberland
Tracy Thomas
Lex Langguth-Torres
Vanessa Cat
Jill Carter
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Debbie Sampson
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