By Cayden Walls, LCU News
PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Theatre Louisiana Christian opens its second 2024-2025 season show, Oct. 24, with the hit musical comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” It is co-presented by the LCU Music Department.
The music and lyrics of the show, performed on Broadway in 2005, were written by William Finn, and the book was written by Rachel Sheinkin.
“This show is going to be so much fun to watch because it hits parts of human personality that everyone can relate to in a way that is ridiculous and hilarious,” LCU senior vocal performance major and theatre minor Cheyenne Carbaugh said, who is playing the role of Rona Lisa Peretti. “The script, music, and comedy are written so brilliantly you can’t help but fall in love with everyone on stage.”
The show follows six quirky adolescents as they take part in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, run by three grown-ups who are equally as quirky. Each speller in the bee has a unique personality and backstory, and as they compete, they share their hopes, dreams and fears with the audience.
“It has been an honor to be a part of such a wonderful cast and crew,” LCU junior theatre, media and communication major Cayden Walls said. “This is by far the most fun I’ve had in the pre-production process of a show because of all the choreography, catchy songs and hysterical jokes. We are excited for people to come see this show and maybe even be part of it as well.”
Walls will be performing as Leaf Coneybear and has also been directing the show alongside Tabitha Huffman, LCU professor of theatre. This will be his directorial debut at TLC. Musical direction is by Enrico Cannella, assistant professor of music.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity to take part in the work both on stage and behind the scenes,” Walls said. “We as a cast have all put in a lot of work to make this production the best that it can be. It is guaranteed to be hilariously entertaining for people of all ages, and it may also tug at a few of your heartstrings.”
In addition to making his directorial debut, Walls is joined by two LCU students who are also taking the stage for the first time at TLC.
Sophomore graphic design major Abby Johnson and sophomore theatre, media and communication major Kayla Condrey are both stepping into their debut performances.
“This is my first production with TLC and my first production in general,” said Johnson. “I’m excited to step out of my comfort zone and try something I’ve always wanted to do but was always too scared. Thanks to the encouragement of my friends who are also in the show, I’m excited to be a part of the cast and to learn from the people around me who are so talented and uplifting.”
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” runs Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 31-Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. with matinee performances Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. in the Martin Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $5 for LCU students, faculty, and staff; $15 for senior citizens and non-LCU students; and $20 for general admission. Groups of 10 or more can attend for $10 per person.
Visit https://www.purplepass.com/tlcspellingbee to get your tickets. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
