the 25th annual putnam county spelling bee

October 18th and 19th, 2024 at Franklin Park Arts Center

A scene from a school play or musical with students dressed in costumes on stage, some holding signs with numbers, raising fists, and expressing excitement. Background includes chairs with 'PHS' labels, balloons, and a banner for the event. The text overlay indicates it is for the 2025 Broadway World Awards in Washington, D.C., with a nominee for Best Musical Spelling Bee.
A young girl and an adult man sitting together at a piano during an awards event, with a stage backdrop displaying logos and text for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards.
a backdrop that reads 'PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING.' One girl has a number 13 badge and appears upset, while the others look on curiously. Balloons and a table with trophies are in the background.
Stage with children dressed as spelling bee contestants at the 2025 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards, with a sign reading "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and a backdrop. The screen displays nominations, with a caption "Nominee: Best Ensemble in a Musical Spelling Bee."
Young actress with number 13 on her chest performing in a musical at the 2025 BroadwayWorld Awards in Washington, D.C., with other participants sitting behind her and organizers at a table in the background.

creative team

Directed by Sierra Lockrem

Choreographed by Syd Austin

Music Directed by Matthew Brown

Costume Design by Lori Crockett

Stage Managed by Olive Webster and Abi Hansen

Props by Maggie Shircliff

meet the cast

A young person in a scout uniform stands against a yellow background, holding a baseball in one hand and raising the other clenched in a fist, with a surprised or intense expression.


  • Chip Tolentino

    Rhett is beyond excited to be in his second STARS production! You may have previously seen him in STARS’ first show this summer, Zombie Prom (Josh), Fairfax High School’s productions of Anastasia and Sister Act, and CFTC’s A Christmas Story and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. Rhett is also an independent filmmaker and photographer in his free time. If you’d like to check out his work it’s on instagram @rhett.films. He would like to thank Sierra Lockrem for putting together such an Incredible space for teens to shine and the whole cast for holding him accountable and loving him even though he hit John’s car. Enjoy the show!

A woman wearing a teal suit and skirt, holding a clipboard, waving with her right hand with a yellow background.


  • Rona Lisa Peretti

    How exciting! Madelyn, a junior at Centreville High School, is over the moon to join the cast and crew of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! After performing with Stars over the summer as Miss Strict in Zombie Prom: Atomic Edition, she can’t wait to be back for another stellar production. Some of her other favorite past roles include her Cappie-nominated performances as Cinderella in Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka. While her only attempt at a spelling bee ended tragically with the word “hazmat,” she does love to read, write, and crochet in her free time. Finally, she’d like to thank the Spelling Bee cast and crew for a fantastic experience, and thank her friends and family for their endless support!

A young woman with wavy blonde hair jumping and holding a box in the air against a yellow background. She is wearing a cream cardigan with yellow flower patterns, pink overalls, and blue sneakers.


  • Olive Ostrovsky

    Leah is so excited to be in her second Stars production! She was recently seen in Zombie Prom at Stars Performing Arts as Candy, Pippin at Oakton HS as Ensemble, Footloose at Westfield Summer Stage as Ensemble/Ariel u/s and is currently in The Crucible as Mary Warren at Oakton HS. She wants to thank Sierra Lockrem who made this show possible, and her fellow castmates who are some of her favorite people she's worked with! She hopes you enjoy!

A young man dressed as a superhero with a green cape, floral shirt, and shorts, strikes a heroic pose against a yellow background.

  • Leaf Coneybear

    John is thrilled to be joining the cast of Spelling Bee! Previously, John has been seen as Ren McCormack in Footloose (Westfield Summer Stage), Damian in Mean Girls (Oakton High School), and most recently, Teen Ensemble in The Little Mermaid (MUNY). In the last year, he has also choreographed over 10 musicals for various high schools, middle schools, and community theatres in the area, and recently directed STARS's debut production, Zombie Prom. Coming up, you can see his choreography in Justice High School's The Addams Family this November, or his direction and choreography in Franklin Middle School's Footloose this December. He would like to thank the entire cast and production team for making this process such a blast, his friends and family, and all of the teachers and mentors he's had along the way, especially Patrick O'Neill, Mr DiCenzo, Mr Godinez, and Sierra for everything they've taught him and all the opportunities they've given him. Enjoy the show!

Young man in a black suit pointing at a service bell against a yellow background.

  • Vice Principal Panch

    David is so grateful to be ruining kid's dreams in Stars Performing Arts' production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. You might've seen him swindling children in Chantilly High School's production of Anything Goes as Moonface Martin; for which he was nominated for 'Best Supporting Actor in a Male Role in a Musical' at the Cappies, or refusing to sing in The Roguish Players' production of The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals as Paul Matthews. David thanks you for making the ridiculously long trek to Loudon County to see this show, and to everyone in the cast, crew, and his family for fueling his addiction.

Young girl in a school uniform, holding an American flag, saluting against a yellow background.


  • Logainne Schwartzandgrubennierre

    Allie is a sophomore at Herndon High School and is exhilarated to be performing in her second Stars Theatre Company production after being part of Zombie Prom this summer. Previous credits include The Drowsy Chaperone (ensemble) at Westfield Summer Stage, HHS’s Fiddler on the Roof(ensemble/Hodel u/s), Fairfax Academy’s production of Cry-Baby The Musical (Drapes ensemble), Legally Blonde Jr. (Elle Woods) at Herndon Middle School, RCP’s Delightful Quarantine (Jennifer) and Newsies (Nunzio), Carmen (Children's ensemble) with the Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center, and NextStop Theatre Company’s Matilda the Musical (Alice) and Freaky Friday (Adam). She would like to thank her family, friends, Sally Imbriano (vocal coach), Mr. DiCenzo, and the entire Spelling Bee production team & cast for their guidance and support. She implores you to vote this November 5th (if you are of age)! @allieblanchet

Teenager with a black t-shirt, jeans, and a bandana, sitting on a high chair against a yellow background, holding a juice box and appearing contemplative.


  • Mitch Mahoney

    Morgan was previously seen as Bernard in Checking in, Mycroft in Miss Holmes, and will be seen as Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream in November. They would like to thank all of their friends for always celebrating with them and cheering them on, their Mom for always loving and supporting them, and the cast and crew of Spelling Bee for an unforgettable and phenomenal musical experience.

Young man in a varsity sweater vest and shorts standing on a yellow background with a surprised expression


  • William Barfée

    Jake is so excited to be a part of the Spelling Bee cast! This is his first production with Stars and he is excited for you to see the show! Some of his favorite credits include: Specs (Newsies), Jake (Freckleface Strawberry), Bryce (Edward Tulane), Mr. Krabs (Spongebob), Miles Tuck (Tuck Everlasting), Nick Piazza (Fame), and Roger (Grease HS). He also received the award of Honorable Mention All Star Cast at the 2022 OAP district competition. He is currently playing Deputy Governor Danforth in The Crucible at Oakton High School. He hopes you enjoy the show and is so thankful to all of his amazing cast members!

A young girl in school uniform standing against a bright yellow background, holding multiple trophies and awards with a puzzle book balanced on her head.


  • Marcy Park

    Jane is a junior at Herndon High School as well as Fairfax Academy’s MTAS program. Recently, Jane performed as Kitty in Westfield Summer Stages The Drowsy Chaperone as well as a Dancer in the 2024 National Capital Area Cappies Gala. Around the DMV area, she has been seen in the Christmas Angel World Premiere Production, Creative Cauldron (Miranda), A Delightful Quarantine, RCP (Diandra) Newsies, RCP (Les) A Christmas Carol, Nextstop (Fan) Matilda, Nextstop (Matilda) Annie, RCP (Molly) Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, RCP (Dixie Pollit), The Musical of Musicals, RCP (Junie Faye) Crybaby, MTAS Academy (Featured Dancer) Fiddler on The Roof, HHS (Bielke), LM Project (3 years) Upcoming Project: Macbeth at HHS (Witch) She would like to thank Mr Dicenzo, and her vocal coach Tina Boosahda for their endless encouragement and kindness, as well as her Mom, Kate Keifer for always being her number one supporter!

Reviews

  • “Shut the front door amazing. Truly truly loved the casting, the acting, the theater, and the 90 minute power through production!”

  • "Each performer was uniquely brilliant. They held my attention through the entire show! I LOVED the interactive components with the audience. The venue was perfect for the show and audience size. Such a fun experience."

  • "Polished, professional, and so entertaining! Well-worth the ticket price and the drive! Best version of Spelling Bee I’ve seen. "

  • "We loved it! The production quality was out of this world! Individual performances were also without compare. The show was funny and poignant and beautifully done. Congratulations!"

  • "Everyone cast in the show was incredibly talented and fit their role perfectly!! I was so impressed by the vocals and the acting. Such a fun show."

  • "It was perhaps my favorite play ever."

Group of young people dancing and celebrating on stage during the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee event with colorful balloons and a banner in the background.
A scene from a school event with students and adults on a stage. One student with a number 16 on a paper is dancing or performing, while an adult extends their hand towards him. Others in the background are engaged in conversation or activities. A la
A young man with a surprised expression, wearing a floral shirt, shorts, and sneakers, standing on stage with his arms raised. He has a number 16 sign hanging around his neck. Behind him, a woman at a desk with a “Putnam Spelling” sign and balloons i
Children participating in the 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, holding numbered placards on a stage with a banner in the background and balloons.
Two young men are competing in a spelling bee on stage at the 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The boy scout on the right is leaning forward with fists clenched, while the other boy, wearing a floral shirt, is standing with a neutral expressio
Actors performing a scene on stage, one girl appears upset with a braided hair being held by a boy, while another boy touches her hair, with other children sitting in the background.
Young actors on stage during a school play, with one boy mid-run and four other students sitting in chairs, wearing numbered tags. The stage backdrop has banners, including one from The Putnam Optometrists and the Parent-Teacher Association.
Children participating in a stage play, with some seated and others standing, engaging with a woman in green, on a stage with black curtains.
Group of young actors dressed in school costumes with name tags, sitting on blue chairs with yellow PHS lettering, participating in a theatrical performance or school event.
A young man jumping in the air with dance moves on stage at a talent event, wearing casual clothes, with colorful balloons and a sign in the background.
Group of young people on stage performing a dance, wearing costumes with numbers and silver hats, with their legs extended in a kick.
A scene from a spelling bee competition with three young contestants on stage, one girl in the middle wearing a number 13 badge, two people on either side, and a table with balloons and a banner in the background that reads 'ANNUM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
A young man with curly hair wearing a contest number 11 and a bow tie, standing on stage with a hand raised, participating in a spelling bee competition. Two judges sit at a table behind him. A banner in the background reads 'Annual Putnam County Spe
A young man in school uniform with a nametag jumps on stage during a performance, with seated audience members watching behind him.
Group of children and a young man performing on stage at the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, with some wearing glittery hats and others with number tags, under colorful balloons and a stage sign.
A man with curly hair and a speech mic on his face stands with a serious expression, wearing a blue argyle vest and a white bowtie, with a paper number 11 around his neck, surrounded by people sitting on chairs, some with number 13, on a stage set fo
A group of young students on stage, wearing numbered tags, performing with arm raised during a high school event, with a backdrop reading '25th Annual Tatum County Singing Bee' and a piano player nearby.
Three young adults, two men and a woman, are having a heated argument on stage, with a seated girl in a school uniform between them. Two other individuals are sitting at a table in the background, observing the scene.
Group of students in school uniforms raising their hands during a school event or performance.
A group of performers participating in a musical or theatrical production, with one actor being lifted in the air by others on stage, and a piano and people in the background.
Two young actors on stage during a spelling bee, with contestant numbers 13 and 11, and a judge in the background. The stage is lit with purple and blue lighting, and a banner reads 'Spelling Bee.'
A group of young actors dressed in school and punk costumes, with numbers hanging from their necks, standing on a stage with a sign in the background that reads "Putnam County Spelling Bee."
Children and teenagers standing in a row on stage during a spelling bee competition, with a backdrop reading 'Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' and balloons, with confetti on the floor.
A person in a costume holding a trophy above their head during a spelling bee event, with a banner in the background that reads 'Putnam County Spelling Bee,' and three children sitting at a table in front of the banner.
A young woman with a number 13 badge stands on stage at a spelling bee, with other participants seated behind her and a judge at a table in the background.
Young actors performing on stage with chairs labeled 'PHS,' dressed in casual and school uniforms, some raising their hands.
Young woman on stage with a sign reading '15', standing in front of a microphone, participating in a spelling bee event with a banner in the background indicating it is the 25th anniversary of the Putin University spelling bee.
Theater cast performing on stage during a talent show, with two main actors in scout-like costumes, one with a badge-covered vest and the other with a pink outfit, both with number tags, and a background banner reading '25th Annual...' with balloons
A young woman holding a sign with the number 6, standing on stage at a spelling bee competition.
Children performing a dance on stage during a spring singing bee event, with some children wearing numbers and a pianist playing a piano nearby.
A teenage girl with a contestant number 13 on her shirt standing in front of a spelling bee competition at Putnam High School, with two judges sitting at a table behind her.
Two young adults sitting at a table with a sign that says 'Spelling Bee'. The person on the right is dressed in a black suit with a white shirt and black tie, gesturing with their hands and speaking. The person on the left is a young woman with brown
A young woman with long reddish hair in a ponytail wearing a maroon dress and looking serious, standing on stage with a blurred person in the background and an American flag to the right.
Young girl performing a dance move on stage during a spelling bee competition, surrounded by other participants and a judge panel in the background.
A stage scene from a play or school performance with young actors. A young woman in a teal dress stands on the left, holding a clipboard. A young man in a black suit and white shirt is on the right, holding a folder labeled 'THE WORDS' and gesturing
A boy in a Boy Scout uniform with a scarf and badges, singing with arms outstretched and holding a snack box, on stage with a banner reading 'Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' and a table with a school emblem and balloons in the background.
Children participating in a school play or skit, dressed in Scout uniforms and casual clothes, with some kneeling and others with arms extended, on stage at the Putnam County Spelling Bee event.