The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, TUTS
Theatre Under the Stars’ production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee absolutely buzzes with energy, wit, and charm. This fast-paced, laugh-out-loud show had me cracking up nonstop. I walked in tired after a long day, and within minutes, I was wide awake, fully engaged, and having a blast.
The story centers on six spellers, a few quirky adults, and one unforgettable champion. Throughout the show, a rotating group of audience participants are invited to join the bee, which adds a spontaneous, unpredictable element to every performance. You never quite know who will shine… or who will stumble!
My Almost-Stage Moment
Audience members can actually apply before the show to become one of the four guest spellers. I decided to throw my name into the hat — I didn’t get in initially, but for a moment, I was almost called up because someone didn’t show! They eventually arrived, so I stayed in the audience. Honestly, I’m kind of glad I did. Watching the controlled chaos unfold was so entertaining, and I got to enjoy every clever joke and character quirk without worrying about my spelling skills!
If you like being part of the action, definitely apply! They’ll ask about your spelling ability, a fun fact about yourself, and your profession.
The Characters & Comedy
This musical’s humor comes from both the sharp script and its wonderfully weird characters. Each speller has an unforgettable personality — and the cast completely nails their comedic timing.
A local inside joke that had the Houston crowd in stitches came when one contestant was given the word “Bayou.” When he asked for it in a sentence, the host replied:
“Who needs a cemetery when you have a bayou?”
It’s dark humor that hits very close to home for Houstonians lately, and it absolutely killed (pun intended).
Another hilarious highlight features Marcy (Gemini Quintos), a perfectionist, who literally receives divine intervention when Jesus (played hysterically by Michael Alonzo, a friend of mine!) appears to tell her it’s okay not to be perfect and that the Spelling Bee is not something he really cares about. That whole scene — complete with white robe, a ghost-like flying Jesus, and heavenly theatrics — had the crowd roaring. Marcy then intentionally chooses to misspell her word.
Michael also plays Chip Tolentino, whose adolescent awkwardness leads to an unfortunate moment of arousal right before he’s called to spell. His desperate attempt to delay stepping up to the mic, followed by his defeat, is comedy gold.
Another standout character is Leaf Coneybear, played by Marco Camacho. Every time he’s given a word, Leaf starts off nervous and unsure, insisting he has “no idea how to spell it.” Then, in a hilarious burst of confidence, he becomes possessed — his eyes cross, arms fling back, and his voice drops to a deep, booming tone as he miraculously spells the word perfectly. The gag never gets old, and Camacho’s commitment to the bit makes it one of the funniest recurring moments in the entire show.
And then there’s William Barfée (Mark Ivy), who insists (repeatedly) that his name is pronounced Bar-FAY. His “magic foot” technique for spelling words on the floor is one of the show’s funniest running jokes.
A slow-motion scene where everyone speaks in exaggerated, deep voices had me laughing so hard I nearly cried — it’s the kind of over-the-top absurd humor that makes this show such a joy.
Music, Mood & Audience Fun
The music in Spelling Bee perfectly complements the humor; upbeat, quirky, and full of personality. While no single tune stuck in my head afterward, every song enhances the fast-paced comedy and heartfelt moments. What truly makes the music shine, though, is the cast’s exceptional vocal talent. Every performer sounds fantastic, from Gemini Quintos’s powerhouse voice as overachiever Marcy Park, to Michael Alonzo’s energetic delivery as Chip Tolentino, to Julia Krohn, who brings both warmth and wit to her role as Rona Lisa Peretti, the spelling bee host. Together, their voices elevate the comedy and give the production an unexpected emotional depth.
The audience participants add an unpredictable layer of hilarity. At my performance, one speller shocked everyone by actually nailing an insanely difficult word that was clearly meant to eliminate them — only to be called back up seconds later and handed an impossible one.
And one of the funniest unscripted moments came when an audience participant was given the word “cow.” After the tough words others had faced, they innocently asked for a definition — to which the moderator replied:
“The definition is… a cow.”
The crowd lost it.
Final Thoughts
This musical is exactly what you need if you’re looking for a good laugh and a light-hearted night out. It’s 90 minutes with no intermission (a huge plus after a long day), and it’s a show that doesn’t require any deep thought — just sit back, relax, and enjoy the silliness.
It’s rare to find a show that’s this consistently funny while still being full of heart. Unless you’re the type who never laughs, you’re going to have a great time.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious, feel-good production that proves sometimes the best way to spell “entertainment” is B-E-E.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs through November 2 at the Hobby Center in Houston. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased online at TUTS.com, by calling 713-558-8887, or in person at the TUTS Box Office (open Monday through Friday, Noon to 6 p.m.).
Don’t wait—this hilarious show is only here for a limited time!
| Final Verdict: | One of the funniest musicals I’ve seen in a long time — I laughed from beginning to end! |
| Rating: | A |
