Written by: Mackenzie Branch
Some professors correct grammar, and others help students deliver better insults.
“When you say, ‘See you next year, loser’ I want you to put in ‘loser’ alright? And also, when you say the ‘shut up’ line, don’t yell it so much, [make it more nasal]: shut up.”
Associate Professor of Performing Arts, Bernie Belisle, instructed Austin Marsh (jr.) to improve his snide remarks in the upcoming theatre production, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
The Hilltop Players will present the fall musical in Brock Hall from November 1-4. The musical focuses on participants in a middle school spelling bee, each facing issues bigger than the Bee itself, and how those struggles impact their lives – and their spelling abilities.
“It’s really not about the issues, it’s about how the spellers are dealing with their family and interpersonal relationships. Each of the characters has a story to tell,” said Belisle.
While actors and actresses in traditional plays develop their characters dialogue and action, musical theatre relies on song as well. Proper pacing is vital. The Hilltop Players must listen for or give cue lines, musical cues and, in this particular musical, be prepared to handle improvisation. During each performance, four members of the audience will be called on to participate as additional spellers and the words they receive will be up to the discretion of spelling bee organizer Rona Lisa Peretti (Rebekah Runner) and Vice Principal Panch (Daniel Hatch).
Rebecca Mitchell (Fr.) is a newcomer to the Hilltop Players, but not to musical theatre. Her experience includes roles in musical shows such as Miss Andrews in “Mary Poppins” and Mrs. Potts in “Beauty and the Beast.” Though Mitchell has over 10 years of experience singing, the fall musical presents challenges.
“I’ve had to learn how to sing lower harmonies and I’ve never actually had to do that before, which is really weird considering I’ve [been in so many shows],” Mitchell said. “So, it’s been super difficult but at the same time just super rewarding.”
A live pit ensemble consisting of two keyboards, two violins, a saxophone and a drum set will accompany the Hilltop Players. Compared to traditional concert performance, ensemble participants must be prepared to change musical gears at a moment’s notice.
“Each song is its own little world and having to move from something that may be in a gospel style to a rock style to a ragtime style – all of these very abrupt changes, you just have to be ready for it psychologically,” said Dr. Vaughn Cardona, Assistant Professor of Music and conductor for the musical’s ensemble.
When selecting the 2017-2018 season Belisle stated that it is his 25th year of teaching at Bryan, so “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” last performed at Bryan in 2012, was an obvious choice.
“It’s a fun show, and it’s got a great opportunity for students to develop characterizations,” Belisle said. “Odd characterizations, but characterizations.”
This year, full-time students can receive one free ticket for admission to the performances. Tickets must be reserved ahead of time. The musical will be held in Brock Hall, and space is limited. To reserve a ticket stop by the box office at Rudd 114, or call 423-775-7500. Tickets for Bryan faculty and staff and seniors are $8, students are $10 and adults are $12. For those willing to participate as an audience speller, complete an interest form at the box office.
MacKenzie is a junior studying Liberal Arts. She works part-time as a nurse, and enjoys hanging upside down from ropes over rivers and doing homework in a hammock on her tiny back porch. Working for Rabbit Room Press (even if they only let her sweep the floors) and operating farm retreat ministry are her long-term goals. Contact her at mbranch6965@bryan.edu.
