The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is set to captivate audiences with its unique blend of humor and heartfelt moments, showcasing the intense yet often comical world of competitive spelling.
Directed by Theatre Under the Stars Artistic Director Dan Knechtges, this 90-minute one-act musical delves into the lives of young spellers. Knechtges has a rich history with the production, having choreographed its workshop and early performances, including the original Broadway run, marking his first foray into Broadway.
Gemini Quintos takes on the role of Marcy Park, a quintessential overachiever who is desperate to excel in all areas of her life. Quintos describes Park as someone who is intricately wound and believes she must be perfect to earn her parents’ love. Despite not having participated in high-level spelling bees herself, Quintos finds inspiration in the dedication and intelligence of the competitors.
“What really strikes me is just how smart those kids are and how important these competitions are to them,” Quintos explains. “It serves as a reminder not to underestimate the significance of children’s experiences. For them, this is the biggest thing.”
All cast members in the production are adults, which presents a unique challenge in playing child characters. Quintos notes that bringing these young people to life requires tapping into a vulnerable and self-conscious part of themselves. She reflects on the complexity of portraying kids who, despite being extremely bright compared to their peers, grapple with self-awareness and insecurities.
Quintos’s background as a performer is extensive; she began acting as a child in New York and has a history of performing on Broadway. Her passion for theater stems from the joy it brings, stating, “At the end of the day, we get to sing and dance for our jobs, which is hard to beat.”
Interestingly, Quintos reveals that her name is not a stage name. When her mother was pregnant, they received word from the ultrasound that the baby would be a boy, prompting her parents to prepare a boy’s name. After her birth, her mom, a Gemini herself, decided to name her Gemini after reading her horoscope at the hospital. Their birthdays are just four days apart, making the name all the more fitting.
Eight years ago, Quintos and her family relocated to Houston, a move that has proven beneficial. She and her husband, Chris Blodgett, manage their clothing store, Sam & Davy, which is conveniently located near Theatre Under the Stars. Balancing family life, acting, and business can be challenging, but Quintos expresses contentment with her life in Houston, especially as her daughters prepare to perform in Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker.
Audiences can expect plenty of laughter during the Spelling Bee performance. Quintos assures, “People will be laughing the entire time.”
An exciting aspect of each performance is the participation of four audience members who will have the opportunity to compete alongside the six actors in the spelling roles. This interactive element adds a unique twist, allowing attendees who may have never reached the spelling bee stage in their youth to experience the thrill firsthand.
The performances run from October 21 to November 2 at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, with additional shows at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. The venue is Theatre Under the Stars, located at the Hobby Center on 800 Bagby. For more details, tickets range from $46 to $195, and viewers can contact 713-558-8887 or visit tuts.org for additional information.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the joys and trials of young spellers under the direction of Knechtges, which promises an engaging and entertaining evening for all.
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