by Alex Brooks
Hubbard Hall has opened a new production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee which will be running through November 30, Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 8 and Sundays at 2 pm. This is a fun show, depicting the efforts of six smart, ambitious, young misfits to figure out how to deal with themselves and each other. There are moments when it is touching and moments when it is hilarious.
This is the first production directed by Hubbard Hall’s new Executive Director David Snider, who has acted and directed in many of the most prestigious regional theatres in this country, most recently as Director of Artistic Programming at the Arena Stage in Washington, DC. Snider has assembled a young cast here, including high school students and recent college graduates, who are still close to the high school struggles that are the subject of this play. But he has sprinkled in enough experienced actors to make the production work. New York Equity Actor Sylvia Bloom brings a strong voice and a strong presence that anchors the somewhat eclectic storylines of the play, and Chris Barlow’s effective delivery of Vice Principal Douglas Panch’s comic lines is another anchor for the show. But the actor who really puts the show over the top is Jeffrey Vizcaino’s portrayal of William Barfee. A portly fellow with charmingly awkward clothing, he is used to having people make fun of him, but he is at the same time very confident of his abilities. The way that he tries to armor himself against ridicule and manage his vulnerabilities, and believe in himself at the same time, is fascinating. The character is affecting and memorable, and there are plenty of opportunities for Vizcaino to show off his considerable abilities as a singer and dancer.
The music in this show is great, and this crew does it full justice, with many talented singers led by Hubbard Hall’s accomplished Musical Director Richard Cherry.
Hats off to David Snider for this auspicious debut at Hubbard Hall, developing such a fine show with such a young cast!
Tickets are available at www.hubbardhall.org or by calling 518-677-2495. Hubbard Hall is located at 25 East Main Street in Cambridge, NY.