The Braswell Bravo Company will debut its production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee tonight at 7 p.m. in the Braswell Auditorium. The musical, featuring catchy songs and quirky characters in a Spelling Bee contest, runs through Jan. 26.
The production follows a group of middle school students competing in a regional spelling bee, each with unique personalities and backstories. The humor and heartfelt performances aim to entertain audiences of all ages.
Senior Spencer Mabrey plays William Barfee, a character he describes as “kind of a loser” and a bully.
“My favorite part is my character’s song or doing all the choreography,” Mabrey said.
Story continues below advertisement
Presley Nicewarner, also a senior, portrays Logainne Shwarzy, a politically aware 9-year-old.
“My favorite part is that I can kind of go on a rant about the bee. I think it’s very funny,” Nicewarner said.
Behind the scenes, senior Erran Calef contributes to the set construction and design while assisting the technical director.
“Seeing what we put on stage technically while everything comes together as the actors put the show together is amazing,” Calef said.
Senior Gabriella Wallace plays Olive Ostrovsky, a shy newcomer to the spelling bee.
“My favorite part of being involved in the musical is probably getting to collaborate with all different kinds of people to reach the same end goal,” Wallace said. “And watching everyone put their all into the work that we do. Getting to do my last show with my friends is really special.”
As the school year winds down, the Class of 2025 reflects on the significance of this final high school musical.
“There’s a part toward the end of the musical when my character gets a little emotional, and I get a little emotional doing it,” Mabrey said. “It is sad though—I will miss it.”
For others, the focus remains on cherishing the experience.
“I’m super excited. It’s a super funny show,” Nicewarner said. “I’m just glad I’m getting to do this one because it’s one of my favorites.”
Calef expressed pride in the impact this senior class leaves behind.
“As a second-semester senior, it’s kind of crazy. I do want to graduate, but I know I’ll hit these milestone moments,” Calef said. “Tomorrow night is senior night, and really seeing the legacy I’m leaving behind in this company is very crazy. I’m feeling kind of nervous but excited knowing that is what we are closing with.”
Audiences can look forward to a heartfelt and humorous performance as Braswell Bravo Co. takes the stage for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Director Michelle Greene praised the senior class, reflecting on their journey and growth throughout high school.
“I love these seniors with my whole heart,” Greene said. “It’s definitely a bittersweet moment to be able to celebrate them and see how much they have grown since freshman year.”
Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased online at braswelltheatre.com.
Braswell Bravo Company will be entering their performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee musical into two area competitions – Casa Manana’s Betty Buckley Awards and the Dallas Broadway’s High School Musical Theatre Awards.
