Cove choir, theater and dance students set to perform musical tonight, Saturday

Special to Leader-Press

The curtain is set to rise tonight and tomorrow night on Copperas Cove High School’s musical production, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

The musical is a tale of high school-aged overachievers, their hopes, their dreams and their angst as they compete for a slot in the National Spelling Bee. Overseen by adults that are still stuck in adolescence themselves, they sing their stories, utilize unique spelling techniques and learn that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser.

The cast and crew of about 30 students have been working tirelessly since their auditions in early September, CCHS theatre teacher Emily Pastore, who is directing the production, said.

“We have so many gifted singers in the theatre and choir departments right now,” Pastore said. “This talented group was perfect to play the goofy children trying to win this all-important spelling bee.”

CCHS Choir Director, Daniel Montgomery, worked weekly with the performers ensuring the musical numbers were at their peak. CCHS dance teacher Samantha Selby introduced students to some creative choreography in several songs and theatre teacher Molli Maberry assisted in rehearsals to ensure the acting was authentic. Freshman Caylyn Schaefer is the assistant stage manager for the show.

“Working on this production has been such a rewarding experience,” she said. “I have truly enjoyed getting to spend time watching this show grow, and I have learned so much from senior stage manager Abbie Garrett.”

Pastore said producing a musical can be quite different than working on a regular play. Actors have to remember spoken lines of dialogue, make sure they are singing the right notes and often have to do so while performing complicated dance routines.

CCHS has not produced a musical since 2011. Pastore says CCHS’ version of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be worth the wait.

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