The piece is presented by Barrington and Herrick Theatre Foundation. The creative team also includes playwright Rachel Sheinkin and conceiver Rebecca Feldman. Spelling Bee spoofs the contests that pit children against children to determine who has the best command of their voluminous vocabulary. Among the competitors are the incumbent, Wentworth Miller III, and Grammarcy Park, who placed first in the Math Bee. Presiding over the test are four-time champion Rhona Janet and vice principal Douglas Panch.
Featured in the workshop cast are Dashiell Eaves, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Robb Sapp. Michael Barakiva and Rebecca Feldman co-direct.
William Finn is the composer of Falsettos, A New Brain and Elegies: A Song Cycle.
An earlier version of Spelling Bee was seen at the now defunct Present Company Theatorium in New York City. Feldman directed.
The BSC StudioSpace is at 18 Elm Court, Sheffield, MA. General admission tickets are $20; $25 on Saturday nights. Call (413) 528-8888 to purchase tickets.