The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Manitoba Bar Association present the 2015 Lawyers Play

MAY 5–9, 2015 TH E 2 5th AN N UAL P U T N A M CO U N T Y

PRESENTING SPONSOR

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL BY JAY REISS

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY WILLIAM FINN

BOOK BY RACHEL SHEINKIN

CONCEIVED BY REBECCA FELDMAN

ORIGINALLY DIRECTED ON BROADWAY BY JAMES LAPINE ORIGINALLY PRODUCED ON BROADWAY BY DAVID STONE, JAMES L. NEDERLANDER, BARBARA WHITMAN, PATRICK CATULLO, BARRINGTON STAGE COMPANY, SECOND STAGE THEATRE

R O YA L M T C 2 0 1 5 / 1 6 Fate can bring us luck and a helping hand just as fast as it can throw our lives into disarray.

But one thing is certain: fate knows how to create great drama. In 2015/16, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre is thrilled to present a season of stories that give us hope and show us that regardless of circumstance, we have the power to forge our own destinies.

MAINSTAGE THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL CHIMERICA UNNECESSARY FARCE BOOM

WAREHOUSE SEMINAR WIESENTHAL THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE MYTH OF THE OSTRICH

S E A L YO U R FAT E PA C K A G E S S TA R T AT $ 1 2 0 ONLINE RoyalMTC.ca

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MAIL Royal MTC Box Office 174 Market Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 0P8

Message from the Artistic Director of Royal MTC

The Winnipeg Jets were just eliminated from the finals after the fourth game, so our city has never been more ready for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. We need to exchange one giddy hope for another. We understand the audacious dreams that drive any serious competitor, the discipline required to prepare mind or body, and Steven Schipper the stout-heartedness needed to accept defeat or victory with equal grace. A team of jerseyed athletes with five-o’clock shadows had all of that. They fought the good fight and lost, so now it’s time to embrace a bleacher full of pre-adolescent, bookish nerds and their own bid for glory.

Who better to help us make the imaginative leap from one league to another than the versatile, talented, generous Manitoba Bar Association. Having already won Canadian philanthropy’s equivalent to the Stanley Cup – a National Post Award for Business and the Arts in Canada – our city’s lawyers are accustomed to the thrill of victory. They also understand that such recognition is the result of hard work, dedication, and the support of family and colleagues (just like hockey players always say in those post-show, locker-room interviews).

I watched the end of the Jets’ final game again, just to see the Winnipeg fans cheering long after the final whistle blew, the teams filing past each other to shake hands as the crowd chants and waves their white flags. This moving show of support reminds us that the human spirit doesn’t triumph only on stage or on the ice, but in the hearts of our audiences and supporters. Tonight belongs to our performers but also to everyone who bought a ticket, or donated catering, or volunteered behind the scenes. You are all winners.

Yours always,

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Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play

may 2015

Message from the President of the Manitoba Bar Association

Sofia Mirza

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a musical comedy conceived by Rebecca Feldman with music and lyrics by William Finn, a book by Rachel Sheinkin and additional material by Jay Reiss. The Broadway production centres on a fictional spelling bee set in Putnam Valley Middle School. Six quirky adolescents compete in the bee, run by three equally quirky grown-ups.

The production you are about to see consists of a cast made up entirely of volunteer lawyers and law students, all of whom have taken time away from their busy practices and family commitments to perfect their song and dance for you today. On behalf of the Manitoba Bar Association, I would like to thank the cast for this generous contribution. It is their involvement which makes the Royal MTC/MBA joint production such a success year after year and which, to date, has raised over $940,000 for Royal MTC. In addition to the cast and crew, I would also like to thank the Director Heidi Malazdrewich, the Executive Producer Chuck McEwen, the Royal MTC/MBA committee members, and the staff of Royal MTC for their passion and dedication, which are instrumental in making this event such a rewarding and successful partnership.

I also want to acknowledge the corporate sponsors for their generous support. Finally, I want to thank all of you for sharing your time with us at tonight’s performance, and in doing so, supporting Royal MTC.

may 2015

Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play

5

&

PRESENT

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Music & Lyrics by William Finn

Book by Rachel Sheinkin

Conceived by Rebecca Feldman Additional Material by Jay Reiss Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine Originally produced on Broadway by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo Barrington Stage Company, Second Stage Theatre

May 5–9, 2015

Director..................................................................................Heidi Malazdrewich* Choreographer.......................................................................... Sofia Costantini* Musical Director.................................................................................Joseph Tritt Production Designer......................................................................Kari Hagness Wardrobe Coordinator............................................................... Thora Lamont Lighting Designer.................................................................Randy Zyla Harder Audio............................................................................................... Michael Wright Deck Audio...........................................................................................Greg Wood Stage Manager...........................................................................Chuck McEwen Assistant Stage Manager...................................................Jennifer Cheslock Assistant Stage Manager............................................................Melinda Tallin The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is perfomed with one intermission.

Based upon C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E, an original play by The Farm.

The Barrington Stage Company workshop of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was originally co-directed by Michael Barakiva and Rebecca Feldman.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

*Appears with the permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association

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Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play

may 2015

THE CAST (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Chorus.................................................................................................. Kristine Barr Chorus.........................................................................................Kathrine Basarab Olive............................................................................................Andrea Bellhouse Mitch Mahoney................................................................................. Adrian Frost Barfee................................................................................................... Danny Gunn Panch..................................................................................................... John Harvie Chorus......................................................................................... Melissa Hazelton Marcy........................................................................................... Reannah Hocken Dan Dad/Jesus/Chorus.............................................................Kael McKenzie Carl Dad/Chorus......................................................................Jim McLandress Chorus..............................................................................................Marika Nerbas Chorus.................................................................................................Sandi Phillips Logainne............................................................................................Meghan Riley Chorus....................................................................................................Jaime Rosin Rona/Olive’s Mom............................................................................Darcia Senft Leaf Coneybear/Olive’s Dad.................................................... Richard Smith Chip............................................................................................................Neil Steen MUSICIANS

Band Leader/Keyboards............................................................ Danny Carroll Drums/Percussion..................................................................................Rob Siwik Bass....................................................................................................Nenad Zdjelar Reeds....................................................................................................Janice Finlay Pianist.......................................................................................................Eric Vickar SONGS

may 2015

ACT I

ACT II

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee The Rules My Friend the Dictionary Pandemonium I’m Not That Smart Magic Foot Prayer of the Comfort Counselor

Chip’s Lament Woe is Me Coneybear Goodbye I Speak Six Languages The I Love You Song Second (Part 1) Weltanschauung Second (Part 2) The Champion Finale

Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play

7

Artists

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Kristine Barr

Andrea Bellhouse

Chorus

Olive

This is Kristine’s first Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play. After 16 years in office, she did not seek re-election as a Winnipeg School Division Trustee in order to free up her Monday nights for rehearsals.

Kristine enjoyed theatre as a teenager (Annie Get Your Gun, Guys and Dolls and some obscure little production where she was cast as Caveman Rock with a wife named Martha).

As a competitive Scrabble player, Kristine is thrilled to be in a production about spelling words.

Kristine wishes to thank her great family (Kathy, Susie, Cari), friends and CUPE co-workers for all of their support. Leo and Sean – Kael and I have been MIA rehearsing but will be home soon! Kael, it was great to share this experience with you.

Thanks to the cast and creative team, in particular Heidi and Chuck for making me feel so welcome.

Kathrine Basarab Chorus

Kathrine is participating in her fifth Royal MTC/MBA collaboration. Past credits include Chicago (2008), The Producers (2010), Gypsy (2011) and Legally Blonde (2013). In real life, Kathrine is a Crown Prosecutor with Manitoba Justice. Thank you to husband Andrew Senchuk, parents, in-laws, and everyone else who has made her participation in the Lawyers Play this year possible. Thank you to the cast and crew of this year’s show for their tireless work and seemingly boundless energy. Performance dedicated to one-yearold son Adam Janusz. Love you.

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Andrea is thrilled to be returning to the Warehouse stage with this amazing cast!

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee marks her second appearance in a Royal MTC/MBA production. Andrea has just completed her third year of law school and is looking forward to the next chapter. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support, and especially her occasional chauffeur, Justin. Andrea would also like to sincerely and profusely thank the creative team for facilitating an audition from abroad and for allowing her to experience the amazingly resilient character that is Olive.

Adrian Frost Mitch Mahoney

Adrian suffers from an addiction to musical theatre. He can lead a relatively normal life moderating this by listening to SiriusXM 72, involvement with Rainbow Stage and regular Broadway binges in NYC. Sometimes, however, it gets out of control and despite assurances to friends, family and colleagues that he was definitely not doing the Lawyers Play this year… stuff happened and here he is again. He thanks his family, friends at TDS, and especially Kerra, Isabelle and Madeline for their love and tolerance.

Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play

may 2015

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Artists

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Danny Gunn

John Harvie

Barfee

Panch

Danny ees hapy two bee een a plai bowt spelin. He wants to thank his beautiful wife Karen (who is much smarter than he is) for correcting these last few sentences and excusing his absence and uselessness for the past months. Danny wants to thank his children Matthew, Jeremy and Ariella for indulging his angry 12-year-old pudgy self.

When Danny isn’t trying to spell on stage, he is a criminal defence lawyer with Campbell Gunn Inness.

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John is deelighted to again have the opportunnity to take part in the Lawyers’s Play. The part of Vice Principle Panch has been the most demannding roll he has ever had to play because of the need for excelent spelling.

A Partner at Myers Weinberg LLP, John is very grateful for the support of the firm and friends and family who are coming out to see the show this year. Thanks to a great cast, director, music director, choreographer, stage manager, band and crew – the past five months have been a real privilege.

Special thanks to Peggy, Helen and Mary Kate.

N I G H T

GS & Q

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 THE FORT GARRY HOTEL GR A ND BA LLROOM M USIC BY THE DA N N Y K R A MER DA NCE BA ND

For information, ticket reservations and to make donations: 204 954 6410 blackandwhite@royalmtc.ca royalmtc.ca/bw in support of

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Proceeds in support of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s productions and programs.

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Proud to be involved in our c-o-m-m-u-n-i-t-y!

Congratulations REANNAH HOCKEN on your role as “Marcy Park”

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Artists

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Melissa Hazelton

Kael McKenzie

Chorus

Dan Dad/Jesus/ Chorus

This is Melissa’s third appearance in the Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play. After participating in Legally Blonde and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Melissa couldn’t wait to come back for more with this year’s production. In real life, Melissa is practicing as a Crown Prosecutor with Manitoba Justice with a number of her fine fellow cast members. She’d like to say a huge thank you to all of her friends and family for being so supportive. Also much love to everyone at Royal MTC for spending so much time with us to make us look our best! Enjoy the show!!

Kael McKenzie went to John Gunn Junior High, where he first fell in love with acting in Mr. Normandale’s drama class. The class had season tickets to Royal MTC in 1985/86 – including such productions as Hamlet and Barnum – which fostered his dream of performing at Royal MTC. This is Kael’s third performance in the Lawyers Play after The Odd Couple and The Producers. During the day Kael can be found in the real-life drama of the courtroom as a Crown Prosecutor with Manitoba Justice. He is highly supported and grateful for his amazing spouse, Kristine, wonderful children, Leo and Sean, and terrific mom, Alice.

Reannah Hocken Jim McLandress

Marcy

Carl Dad/Chorus

This is Reannah’s fifth appearance in the Royal MTC/MBA production, having previously appeared in The Producers, Gypsy, Legally Blonde and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

She is thrilled to have been cast as Marcy Park, the overachieving, ambitious and ruthless 12-year-old. It’s a stroll down memory lane. During her real life, Reannah is an overachieving, ambitious (and ruthless?) family law lawyer at Deeley Fabbri Sellen.

As always, thanks to Royal MTC and the artistic team for all of their spectacular hard work.

Every year, without fail, they always make us look and sound great. Thanks to Matt for his encouragement and patience. Last, but not least, thanks to you for coming out to support this amazing project. Enjoy the show!

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I’m baaaaaaack… Thought you got rid of me, didn’t you? Ha! Fooled you!!!!

Hey! At least I’m not wearing that dress. I mean it. Angelina Jolie would have looked like cr*p in that colour! But you have to admit, I did rock the mesh top and nipple rings in a way that very few paunchy, middle-aged white guys could. Luckily for you there are no such exotic ensembles for me this year. No, this time it’s all about youthful exuberance and overbearing parenting.

Seriously though, thanks for coming to the show. Royal MTC can’t do the great work it does without the generous support of people just like you… and the guy behind you… and the lady over there in the red. No, not her; the one next to her.

Sit back. Relax. If you’re feeling a bit ortographobic, don’t sweat it; I don’t even know what that means.

My performance is dedicated to all of those who suffer from sesquippedaliophobia.

Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play

may 2015

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TALENTED CAST OF

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Artists

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Marika Nerbas

Sandi Phillips

Chorus

Chorus

Marika is pleased to be participating in her seventh Royal MTC/MBA joint production, having previously appeared in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Chicago, The Odd Couple, The Producers, Gypsy and most recently as Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde.

Thank you to Jon, Grant, Nadia, friends and colleagues from the Great-West Life law department for coming to the show and supporting Royal MTC!

Sandi is thrilled and somewhat amazed to be making her debut in this year’s Royal MTC/ MBA production. Offstage, Sandi has a recurring role as a lawyer at Manitoba Hydro, makes monthly cameo appearances at the Legal Help Centre and serves as director, co-financier, stage manager, mistress of wardrobe, props and catering, and principal drama queen of the best production ever – her family. Sandi is grateful to her castmates and the fantastic Royal MTC crew for helping her connect with her long-lost and deeply hidden inner child but most of all, she wishes to thank James, Matthew and Laura for their patience, encouragement and love.

The MBA is pleased to present

THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Some MBA members might not be gud spellurs but they are all fantastic supporters of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

Congratulations to the cast and crew.

Almost $940,000 raised to date in support of RMTC. THE MANITOBA BAR ASSOCIATION L’ASSOCIATION DU BARREAU DU MANITOBA A Branch of the Canadian Bar Association Une division de l’Association du Barreau canadien

The 25th Annual Putnam County SPELLING BEE

Enjoi the Sho! 15

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Artists

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Meghan Riley

Darcia Senft

Logainne

Rona/Olive’s Mom

A life-long theatre geek, Meghan is thrilled to be making her Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play debut in Spelling Bee. Meghan is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (NYC, 2000), the Second City Training Conservatory (Toronto, 2004) and the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law (2007).

Meghan works as litigation counsel with the Federal Department of Justice, primarily in the area of labour and employment law.

Meghan wishes to thank her husband and children for their support and encouragement, and the entire cast and crew for making this experience an utter delight.

Jaime Rosin Chorus

Jaime is excited to be involved in her second (annual) Lawyers Play! Love and thanks to cast mates, the artistic team and of course friends and family coming out to support the show!

Special thanks to her parents and grandparents for being there for each and every sports game, play, recital, tournament or competition while she was growing up. Your support meant, and continues to mean, the world.

Darcia is happy for another opportunity to channel Michigan J. Frog (“Hello my Baby, Hello my Honey, Hello my Ragtime Gal”) on the stage of the Warehouse. Previous roles include Paulette in Legally Blonde, Roxie Hart in Chicago, Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Sandy in Grease, Hodel in Fiddler and Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls. It seems she can’t play a character unless the first name has two syllables.

As someone who loves to perform, being cast as Rona Lisa Peretti is a treat since Rona has a penchant for being in the limelight. Darcia thanks Gary and her family and friends for encouraging her in all of her musical pursuits.

By day, Darcia sings a different tune at the Law Society where she works as General Counsel. Thanks to Heidi, Joseph, Sofia, Eric and Chuck for the vision, encouragement, hard work and good humour. For Mom, who never turned down an opportunity to dance and who gets to watch from the best seat in the house and for Dad, who, in his day, was the one who liked to “trip the light fantastic.”

You inspire me still.

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25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Congratulations to Danny Gunn and the cast and crew.

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Artists

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Richard Smith Leaf Coneybear/ Olive’s Dad

Richard is thrilled to be playing Leaf! His previous musicals with the Royal MTC/ MBA Lawyers Play were: Chicago, Legally Blonde and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Other recent work: Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas) and with North Kildonan Community Players in Fiddler on the Roof (Motel), Annie (Rooster Hannigan) and Snoopy!!! The Musical (Linus). Rich sends greetings to his friends and colleagues who have come out, especially those at Manitoba Justice – Prosecutions and The Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

Neil Steen Chip

This is Neil’s fifth time appearing in the Lawyers Play in as many years. He is tired. He is also super excited to compete in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and is grateful to be working with such a talented and dedicated cast and crew. Thank you to Heidi, Sofia, Joseph, Chuck, Eric and everyone else involved in this insane show. Special thanks to his beautiful wife Voula: proof positive that there is hope for guys like Chip.

and Guggenheim Fellowship in Musical Composition). Mr. Finn wrote the lyrics to Graciela Daniele’s Tango Apasionado (music by the great Astor Piazzolla) and, with Michael Starobin, the music to Lapine’s version of The Winter’s Tale. His musical, Romance in Hard Times, was presented at the Public Theater.

Recently, he wrote Painting You for Love’s Fire, a piece commissioned and performed by the Acting Company, based on Shakepeare’s sonnets. For television, Mr. Finn provided the music and lyrics for the Ace Award-winning HBO cartoon Ira Sleeps Over, Tom Thumb and Thumbelina, Pokey Little Puppy’s First Christmas, and, with Ellen Fitzhugh, two Brave Little Toaster cartoons. Mr. Finn has written for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and The New Yorker. A graduate of Williams College where he was awarded the Hutchinson Fellowship for Musical Composition, Finn now teaches a weekly master class at the NYU Tisch Graduate Program in Musical Theatre Writing.

His most recent projects include Elegies, A Song Cycle (Lincoln Center) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which ran on Broadway and has been produced nationally and internationally, as well.

D’Arcy & Deacon congratulates the cast and crew of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

William Finn Music & Lyrics Mr. Finn is the writer and composer of Falsettos, for which he received two Tony Awards, Best Book of a Musical (with James Lapine) and Best Original Score. He has also written and composed In Trousers, March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland (Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, two Los Angeles Drama Critic’s Awards, two Drama Desk Awards, the Lucille Lortel Award

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Artists

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Rachel Sheinkin

Jay Reiss

Book

Additional Material

Broadway: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Tony, Drama Desk awards); Off Broadway: Striking 12 (Lucille Lortel nomination), Off-Off: Serenade. Regional: Little House on the Prairie (Guthrie); Sleeping Beauty Wakes – Los Angeles Ovation Award (Center Theater Group). London: Blood Drive. Residencies, fellowships, commissions include: Eugene O’Neill National Theater Center, Baryshnikov Dance Foundation, MacDowell Colony, Manhattan Theatre Club, Deaf West, McCarter Theatre, Playwrights Horizons. Rachel is a volunteer mentor for TDF’s Open Doors program, a visiting instructor at Yale School of Drama and adjunct faculty member of NYU’s Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program.

Jay Reiss is playwright. He is a Julliard graduate and provided additional material to the book for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Reiss appeared in the original workshops, Off-Broadway cast and Broadway cast of the musical as Vice Principal Douglas Panch.

Rebecca Feldman Conceiver Rebecca Feldman is the conceiver of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, for which she won a Lucille Lortel Award, Drama Desk and Tony nomination for Best Musical.

She directed its world premiere at Barrington Stage Company in the summer of 2004.

Rebecca conceived, directed, and performed in C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E, the play upon which Spelling Bee is based, with her company The Farm. Previous projects with The Farm include Super (Atlantic Theatre Studio), V-Ville (West End Theatre) and the work-in-progress Jade Winds or Why I Hate Florida. She has directed and performed in New York and regionally for the past 10 years including: New York Fringe Festival, Soho Rep, Adobe Theatre, New Dramatists, Mabou Mines and various downtown venues. Rebecca is a Lincoln Center Director’s Lab alum.

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Heidi Malazdrewich Director

With Royal MTC: The Secret Annex (Director), The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith (Assistant Director), Gone With the Wind and Mrs. Warren’s Profession (Apprentice Director), Romeo and Juliet (Actor/Apprentice Director). With MTYP: New Canadian Kid (Director).

Heidi is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful group of collaborators. It is an honour to work with such talented and hard-working lawyer/artists. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this delightfully sincere story to the stage!

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Artists

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Sofia Costantini

The Farm

Choreographer

Royal MTC productions: The Glass Menagerie, After Miss Julie, White Christmas.

Royal MTC/MBA: The Producers, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

It is always an honour to work, share and collaborate with such an incredible group of lawyers and artistic team. What an amazing process and experience. Congratulations and hugs to you all!

Joseph Tritt Musical Director

Joseph is honoured to be working on his second Royal MTC/MBA show, having served as Music Director for Legally Blonde in 2013.

Selected music directing credits: Cabaret (Royal MTC), The Producers (Rainbow Stage), A Man of No Importance and Follies (Dry Cold) and Altar Boyz (PTE). Upcoming engagements: Les Misérables (Rainbow Stage) and Billy Elliot (Royal MTC). Thanks to Heidi, Sofia and the whole team. Good bee!

Eric Vickar Pianist

Eric feels delighted and privileged to be back on the bench for his 11th Royal MTC/ MBA production. In his day gig, Eric serves as a child and adolescent psychiatrist in the WRHA and as associate professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. With affection and gratitude to our Royal MTC artistic team and my family!

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The Farm was founded in 2000 by Rebecca Feldman, Artistic Director. It is a collective of writers and performers, including Jay Reiss, Dan Fogler and Sarah Saltzberg. The Farm’s interest is in the role of improvisation in creating new work for the theatre. The Farm initially designates a two-week intensive period in which to discover, develop and rehearse a play from the impulses borne mainly out of the pressure of a deadline. Previous projects include Super (at Atlantic Theatre Studios), Why I Hate Florida (workshop at White Wave in DUMBO) and C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E (at the Present Company Theatorium in October 2002), on which The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is based. The character and original dialogue of “Beth Marguiles,” “Vice President Douglas Panch,” “Mr. Barfee” and “Logan Schwarzengrubenierre” were created by Rebecca Feldman, Jay Reiss, Dan Fogler and Sarah Saltzberg, respectively.

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Artists

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Music Theatre International

PwC Presenting Sponsor

Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting schools as well as amateur and professional theatres from around the world the rights to perform the largest selection of great musicals from Broadway and beyond.

MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these shows to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 60,000 theatrical organizations in the US and in over 60 countries worldwide.

PwC Canada helps organizations and individuals create the value they’re looking for. Our 5,700 partners and staff are committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax, consulting and deals services. PwC Canada is a member of the PwC network of firms with more than 184,000 people in 157 countries. Find out more by visiting us at www.pwc.com/ca.

Spelling, like financial planning, can be

Ardous Greuling Dificult Hard.

We make it easy for our clients.

lawtonpartners.ca

ROUND TABLE CATERING LEGENDARY PRIME RIB ANYWHERE

204-453-3631 ROUNDTABLESTEAKHOUSE.CA

ACT LIKE A STAR! Everyone at the theatre is part of the show. Yes, even you.

You want to be a star, don’t you?

These tips will make you a stand-out performer (in a good way)!

Scents and Sensibility

Many theatre lovers experience adverse medical reactions from scented products. Please consider others before using scented products.

Park Your Mobile Device

We know something interesting is happening on social media. It always is. But your neighbours want to watch the play. Please turn off all mobile devices.

The Sound of Silence

Our theatre has great acoustics. So when you’re talking during the show, everyone can hear you. Your neighbours, the ushers and even the actors.

We want you to talk about the show… at intermission or after the final bows.

We’re always happy to see you at the theatre. Thank you for coming!

TH E th AN N UAL P U T N A M CO U N T Y

We would like to acknowledge our gratitude for the invaluable contributions the following made to this year’s Royal MTC/MBA production. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Ira’s Deli, Gunn’s Bakery, Stacy Nagle and the MBA Executive, our volunteer ushers and all of Royal MTC’s production, administrative and artistic staff who make the production of this play possible and the generous support of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

The Property Registry

RECEPTION SPONSORS

DESIGN SPONSOR

WINE SPONSOR

We encourage you to show your appreciation by using the services of companies who generously support Royal MTC.

COMMITTEE John Guttormson, Chair Shawn Hughes Vivian Rachlis Melissa Beaumont Jim McLandress Neil Steen Joan Holmstrom Stephanie Lambert, Special & Donor Events Coordinator Chuck McEwen, Executive Producer, Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival & Master Playwright Festival Shelly Smith-Hines, Director of Development

26

Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play

may 2015

You can play a leading role!

DONATE TODAY

donate online at royalmtc.ca or call 204 954 6412 today

www.pwc.com/ca

‘S’ is for support PwC is proud to support the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Manitoba Bar Association production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

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