Welcome to The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! This is a musical about a quirky group of bright children, stuck in the throes of growing up, trying to find their way. It is a about self-acceptance and coming of age. It also makes us think about how hard it can be to find our purpose, and how critical it is that we are truly seen in the world as our authentic selves. Much like the song, “Pandemonium,” growing up is messy, inconvenient, confusing, random, and discombobulating. It is not unlike enduring a flurry of surprise words being hurled at contestants in a spelling bee. As we go through life, we do not always know what is coming next. Hopefully, if we do our best and stay true to ourselves, we can find our way to the other side of childhood with an appreciation of our own unique gifts. Every single one of us deserves to be seen and valued just exactly as we are. As you enjoy these adorable characters’ moments in the limelight, I hope it helps you to remember and appreciate your own special light. Speaking of special gifts, this production would not have been possible without the enthusiastic dedication of our talented cast, and the brilliant, generous leadership of our assistant director, Jeremy Cronenberg ’25.
Enjoy the show!
Jeanne Dillon-Williams, Theater Director
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a very difficult show. It requires actors to maintain swift-paced dialogue while balancing dissonant three-part harmonies and to explore physical comedy, dance and methods of acting a solo song. It also poses the challenge of playing middle school-age children in a way that feels real and grounded but also serves the text and the plot. Our group of students, for the first time featuring not only the Upper School but also the seventh and eighth grades, rose skillfully and gracefully to the challenge. I can’t express how proud I am of my peers and of myself for putting on this musical.
The biggest reason why this show’s script is so fun to sink our teeth into is that Spelling Bee is all about connecting meaningfully to other people. Each character desires some level of connection to others, rendering ensemble-building of the utmost importance. I hope that, during the rehearsal process, each student has learned something new about themselves and the ways they connect with each other through their character. I also hope that through watching this show today, you will discover something new about yourselves.
Jeremy Cronenberg ’25, Assistant Director
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS
Key Theater Presents... One Night Only An Evening of Student-Produced Work April 24
Key Theater Presents...The Middle School Play The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon by Don Zolidis May 21 & 22
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
& Lyrics By
William Finn
Book By Rachel Sheinkin
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Conceived
By
Rebecca Feldman
RONA LISA PERETTI............................................................................................Emery Hein
DOUGLAS PANCH..............................................................................................Caleb Smith
Tatum Baker (ENSEMBLE) is a freshman at Key School and has been a lifelong theater kid. This is Tatum’s first year attending Key School and their second play with Key. Tatum’s most recent productions include The Play That Goes Wrong at Key School, as well as The Drowsy Chaperone, Spamalot and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Wiley H. Bates Middle School. With their passion for the stage and their experience in both comedic and classic theater, Tatum is beyond excited to be in this absolutely fantastic musical. Tatum would like to thank their parents and sisters, Wiley H. Bates Drama club, and Ms. DW, for supporting Tatum’s journey in theater.
Favorite word to spell: UNICYCLE
Gracie Bastian (ENSEMBLE) is a freshman at Key and has been involved in theater for five years between the two schools. She has been a part of many shows, mainly behind the scenes and as a Stage Manager, but she has also acted in several shows, including The Con, The Little Mermaid, and now The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Favorite word to spell: EVERYWHERE
Seneca Braun (ENSEMBLE) is a freshman at Key and has been doing theater for the last three years. She has been in three Middle School plays and The Play That Goes Wrong that went on this fall. Seneca has always had a passion for theater and the arts and loves to be on stage. Even if she is an ensemble member she has had an excellent time being a part of this show. She would like to thank Ms. DW for her hard work and dedication to this production as well as Ms. Lisa for being an amazing dance instructor. She would also like to thank her parents for putting up with the late pickup times.
Favorite word to spell: WATERFALL
Eden Charles (ENSEMBLE), an 8th grader in a high school musical, has been into theater for three years. After this year she will have been in three Key productions along with others outside of Key! These shows include The Con, A Simpler Time, and, of course, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She is very excited to be in this play! As someone who is doing basketball, soccer and this play all at once, somehow she manages to still excel and be there for her ensemble. She loves performing and would definitely do this again!
Favorite word to spell: MISSISSIPPI
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Journey Clark (ENSEMBLE, FEATURED DANCER) is a junior at Key and is very excited to be back for the spring musical! You may remember her role as Inspector Carter in The Play That Goes Wrong which took place this past fall. This time, Journey is a member of the Ensemble who also takes on the small speaking role of Jesus! Journey would like to thank her parents and her brother for being so flexible with her rehearsal schedule and to Ms. DW for this opportunity!
Favorite word to spell: BUBBLES
Jeremy Cronenberg (CHARLITO “CHIP” TOLENTINO) is enthused to be performing in his final Key production. In addition to acting, he has taken up the role of assistant director; he is very grateful for this special privilege and hopes to give back at least a small fraction of the knowledge, effort and opportunity Key Theater has afforded him. Thank you to Nick Olson and to Ms. DW for a fantastic four years.
Favorite word to spell: CANTANKEROUS
Quinlan “Soap” Curry (MITCH MAHONEY) is a senior at Key and has been part of the theater community for four years. He has been in several shows, including Clue, Mean Girls, The Play That Goes Wrong, and others. Quinlan enjoys the process and work behind putting on such a show, and it will probably be one of the things he misses most when he leaves for college. In all honesty and seriousness, he loves the cast and will be sad to leave them at the end of the year. As a senior, he would like to thank his family and friends for being there throughout his high school journey.
Favorite word to spell: SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS
Castin Dillon-Williams (ENSEMBLE) is in 7th grade and loves acting. This is his fourth show at Key School, and he has also performed and taken lessons at Theater in the Park, Children’s Theater of Annapolis and Maryland Hall. Theater is something that his mom has done and his great grandfather has done. His mom gave him his passion for acting. He is excited to be a part of this production, especially since it is many seniors’ last shows. He looks up to many of the Upper Schoolers in the show, and is excited to work beside them.
Favorite word to spell: RASPBERRY
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Jane Edwards (OLIVE OSTROVSKY) is a junior at Key and has been a part of theater since middle school, though not necessarily on stage. They have been working sound crew for six different high school productions, but have recently been acting on stage, with Mean Girls being their first production at Key. They are incredibly excited for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee because it is their first lead role! Woohoo! They are ready (though wildly nervous) to play Olive in one of their favorite musicals. They would like to thank their parents for dealing with so many late nights.
Favorite word to spell: ACCOMMODATE
Upon discovery that this snippet would have to be written from the third person Cookie Gross (WILLIAM BARFÉE) was faced with the unparalleled predicament of never writing a biography from said perspective nor passing on insights about themselves. Ten minutes elapsed since penning that premier phrase and still no thought of what to write next pervades Cookie’s mind, like a pendulum continuously swinging in unbroken motion between ideas. Perhaps give nods to their past performances – no, everyone always commences with that – thanking friends for their continuous support or parents for the late nights of driving – but that can be done in person so it will be more personal. A blank slate, everything’s already been run dry; it was at this moment Cookie knew this biography wouldn’t be about themselves. Instead with these fleeting sentences they’d like to wish the audience a night of whimsy as the stage lights dim and the music cascades through the gymnasium. As someone who’s found magick in every moment upon the stage Cookie has realised that wonder only arises because of the audience whose laughter makes the whole experience worth it. Claiming their favorite word to spell is a snippet after blatantly showing that Cookie cannot write one would be horrendous: instead they’ll claim it to be effervescent, which they hope the audience will be after this show.
Favorite word to spell: EFFERVESCENT
Sophia Hagan (ENSEMBLE) is a senior at Key and this is her first time participating in theater. She likes to sing and dance and is excited to be a part of the ensemble. Sophia would like to thank everyone who supported and inspired her to get involved in Key Theater.
Favorite word to spell: SPECTACULAR
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Senior Emery Hein (RONA LISA PERETTI) is thrilled to be back with her favorite group of people at Key for yet another amazing production. She has loved being part of the theater community and is very grateful for the friendships that have come out of it. Previous roles have included Karen Smith in last year’s Mean Girls and Annie in the fall production of The Play That Goes Wrong. She would also like to give a big thank you to our director, Ms. DW, for truly putting her all into everything she does and making this show so special!
Favorite word to spell: BANANAS
Adeola Ijiti ( ENSEMBLE, OPTOMETRIST) is a senior at Key School, making her debut in the School play. She enjoys reading, creating art, and exploring new creative outlets, always seeking ways to express herself. When she’s not on stage, she’s busy with biology, helping her family, and going on walks. Adeola is excited to be part of this production and grateful for the opportunity to step into the world of theater. She thanks her friends and family for their support as she takes on this new challenge.
Favorite word to spell: VELLICHOR
Nitya Kapur (ENSEMBLE) is an 8th grade student at Key and has been doing theater for three years. She has done three shows which are The Alibis, A Simpler Time and The Con. Since she was a little girl, Nitya liked making stories with her toys and creating a world of her own with them. She’s very excited to be an Ensemble member in this musical since it is her first time being in a musical. Since she is an eighth grader, she does have a lot of work to do, but she does thank her parents and Ms. DW for letting her be in the musical.
Favorite word to spell: CRYOKINESIS
Jun Kugelman (ENSEMBLE) is a 7th grader at Key School. It is his first time performing with Key’s theater program, and he is thrilled to join the Ensemble for this musical! While Jun has never performed in a musical before, he loves music and singing. Jun also plays the cello outside of school. He would like to thank his parents for encouraging his participation in music and in this show.
Favorite word to spell: MALEVOLENT
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Marina Loewen (MARCY PARK) is a senior and is so grateful to have been a part of the theater program in her two years at Key. Like Marcy, she knows what it’s like to start over after a move, and, in the throes of the college application process, she agrees that perfection is overrated. Although this is her second time performing in this musical, she still makes a lot of spelling mistacks (wink).
Favorite World to spell: WEDNESDAY
Aurora Mapp (ENSEMBLE) is currently an 8th grader, participating in her first of many Upper School productions. This is her fourth production in Key Theater, but she has spent many years expressing her love for theater, especially musicals. She is very excited to be a part of this production as part of the ensemble and hopes she can have many roles (big and small) when she gets to Upper School.
Favorite word to spell: ELUDED
Nicole Moring (ENSEMBLE) is an 8th grader at Key. She has been in theater for four years and has been in shows such as The Con, Matilda, and Annie. Nicole wanted to do theater after seeing Wicked on Broadway. She wants to thank her parents for committing the time to help her do what she loves.
Favorite word to spell: SERENDIPITY
Adriana Rosales (ENSEMBLE) is a 7th grader at Key and has been a part of the theater community for two years. She has done a few shows including A Simpler Time, The Con and now The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Adriana’s always loved performing arts, from dancing to writing and/or painting. Being part of the ensemble in the play opens her to her passion for performing. She would like to thank her parents for dealing with the practices on top of their already busy schedule.
Favorite word to spell: SQUIRREL
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Ali Schropp (LOGAINNE “SCHWARTZY” SCHWARTZANDGRUBENIERRE) is a senior at Key and has been a part of the theater community for nine years. They have been a part of every show at Key since For the Love of Three Oranges. On top of acting, Ali also has a passion for lighting design which they will be pursuing in college. In fact, in addition to playing Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre, Ali also designed the lights for this production. Ali would like to thank everyone in the theater program for providing an environment for them to be their weird and wacky self.
Favorite word to spell: PEOPLE
Caleb Smith (DOUGLAS PANCH) is a junior at Key participating in theater for the first time. He has participated in many public speaking events and is finally taking his passion to theater. Caleb has always enjoyed watching plays and musicals, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Book of Mormon, and is excited to finally be acting in one. He is grateful to play the role of Douglas Panch as he is one of Caleb’s favorite characters in the show. Caleb participates in many activities and would like to thank the Key School for the opportunity to be a part of all of them at the same time.
Favorite word to spell: ONOMATOPOEIA
Connor Squires (LEAF CONEYBEAR) is a junior at Key and has been a part of the theater community for seven years. He has done a variety of shows including R.U.R, Emma!, Clue, Mean Girls, and The Play That Goes Wrong Since he was very young he has always had a strong passion for theater ever since he saw his brother Ryan perform on stage for the first time. He has always had a soft spot for characters that get a lot of laughs and Leaf Coneybear is no exception. He has had a really fun time playing this character and cannot wait to show all of you that he’s “Not That Smart.” He would like to thank his parents for supporting his passion through the whole process, and letting him shine as an actor.
Favorite word to spell: SKULLDUGGERY
Kaelyn Tate (ENSEMBLE) is an avid artist in 7th grade at Key. Starting at a young age, Kaelyn has enjoyed and explored a wide range of creative arts, including drawing, painting, sculpture, theater and crocheting. Having appeared in two Middle School plays, The Con and A Simpler Time, Kaelyn is excited to be joining her first Upper School production. Between creative endeavors, Kaelyn spends her time riding horses and caring for a menagerie of pets, including three dogs, several tarantulas, snakes, and other scaly friends, with her favorite being Bella, an American Hunt Terrier who gives the best cuddles.
Favorite word to spell: HORSES
CREATIVE TEAM
Jeanne Dillon-Williams (DIRECTOR) is in her first year as the Upper and Middle School Theater director at Key School. She holds an M.F.A. in Theater from Catholic University and has worked in theater arts and education for her entire career. Regional area credits include roles at Round House Theater, The Kennedy Center, Theater Alliance, Rep Stage, The Source, Washington Shakespeare Company, Baltimore Shakespeare Company, American Century Theater, Compass Rose, Signature, Arena, Will Interactive, and Longacre Lea Productions. Her favorite out-of-town job was performing at Perseverance Theater in Douglas, Alaska.
Noah Israel (VOCAL COACH) is an actor and voice/acting coach based in DC. DC AREA CREDITS: Olney Theatre Center: Frozen, A Nice Indian Boy; Signature Theatre: HAIR; Rep Stage: The Glass Menagerie, The 39 Steps, Sweeney Todd; Keegan Theatre: Legally Blonde; Imagination Stage: Aquarium; Adventure Theatre: Big River; REGIONAL: La Jolla Playhouse: To The Yellow House; The Phoenix Theatre Company: Bandstand; San Diego Rep: The Whole Megillah; Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre: Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast, Oklahoma!; OTHER: Solo Work: The Wunderlich; EDUCATION: MFA from UC San Diego.
Lisa Pellittiere (CHOREOGRAPHER) is the dance instructor for Middle and Upper School here at Key. With a BFA in dance, Lisa has spent the last 13 years teaching and choreographing in independent schools, private studios and community centers. She performs locally in community theater and with independent artists/choreographers. (You can catch her later this month in the ensemble of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.) Thank you to the 2025 cast of Spelling Bee for putting in personal practice time outside of rehearsals to bring the show’s big musical number to life —your dedication shines!
Cornelius Young (MUSICAL DIRECTOR) is in his third season with the Key School Theater. He has been the musical director for Mean Girls (2024) and Emma! (2023). Cornelius was also musical director at St. Anne’s School of Annapolis with their 2022 show Beauty and the Beast. He assisted with Green Hedges musical The Music Man in 2019. He has played keyboards in the pit orchestra for Southwest Mississippi Community College for Once Upon a Mattress (2001). More recently he play keyboards for Lansdowne High School’s musicals Gypsy (2025), Leader of the Pack (2024), and The Wiz (2023).
A band director by trade, Cornelius has taught middle school chorus, elementary general music, piano class, beginning band, middle school band, jazz band, and high school band (both concert and marching) in public and private schools since 2007. In 2014, Cornelius became the music director of the Vienna Community Band in Vienna, VA and held that position for 8 years. In 2017, he became the Artistic Director of D.C. Different Drummers Jazz Band and held that position for 5 years.
Here at Key School, Cornelius teaches band for grades 5-12, and music theory for the Upper School. His son Ketan attends Key and is in 3rd grade.
SCENES AND MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT ONE
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee ......................................................Rona, Spellers
The Rules.................................................................................................Panch, Mitch, Rona, Spellers
My Friend the Dictionary.............................................Olive, Chip, Coneybear, Logainne, Rona
