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Thank you for joining us for our first-ever Alumni Community Theater event at Indian Creek School!  

Before we tell you about Spelling Bee, we'd like to mention the people we were lucky enough to be around over the past several weeks.  This cast and crew clarified for us what not only "community" means, but also what Indian Creek means.  Some of them haven't been on campus for 20 years, and others just graduated in May and are about to tackle the world for the first time.  Regardless of where they are in their journeys, we are all proud to be part of the Creek.  Watching these actors converse, laugh, dance, play, and hang out for hours on end has been pure joy.  They are such individuals, but all of them perfectly represent what ICS is all about.  They are unique, kind, accepting, and proud of who they are and the work they've done. 

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a bit of a Trojan Horse.  While on the outside it is a fun, fast, quirky, and hilarious musical, it has poignant messages for all of us.  These adolescents are thrust into situations for which they are either ill-prepared or overly prepared.  This can be directly attributed to the grown-ups in their family.  These adults are well-meaning, but perhaps not the most helpful to our on-stage characters.  Little moments in the show may speak to all of us.  These days we often hear about kids who are over-scheduled or under-scheduled, or work too hard, or not hard enough.  Spelling Bee addresses them all. You will likely see yourself in many of the characters on stage.  How they handle adversity is as unique as they are.

Throughout our rehearsals, it also became obvious why Spelling Bee won a Tony and a Drama Desk award for Best Book.  It's one of the best-written musicals we've ever encountered, and we hope you enjoy this gem of a show.  

Finally, we'd like to thank our founding donors.  While some did not wish to be publicly thanked, please see our donor list at the end of the program.  Please also consider giving as we plan to continue ACT@ICS for many summers to come!

Matt and Jill

P.S. - If you go to Lures after the show, mention that you were at the Spelling Bee and they will donate to our program.  Thanks!

Song List

Act 1

1. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee 
2. The Rules
3. My Friend The Dictionary
4. Pandemonium
5. I'm Not That Smart
6. Magic Foot
7. Magic Foot Playoff
8. Pandemonium (Reprise)
9. Chip Goodbye
10. Rona Moment #2
11. Prayer Of The Comfort Counselor

Act 2

1. Chip's Lament Intro
2. Chip's Lament
3. Woe Is Me
4. Spelling Montage
5. I'm Not That Smart (Reprise)
6. Coneybear Goodbye.
7. I Speak Six Languages
8. Jesus
9. Three Spellers Remain! Sluice!
10. The I Love You Song.
11. Crepuscule.
12. Woe Is Me (Reprise)
13. How Exciting
14. Rona Moment #3
15. Second (Part 1)
16. Weltanschauung
17. Olive & Barfee Pas De Deux
18. Second (Part 2).
19. The Champion
20. Epilogues
21. Finale

Cast

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Zoë Argabright

Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre

Zoe is super excited to be involved in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!" She is about to enter her senior year at the University of Miami Frost School of Music studying Music Therapy and Psychology. She is a part of the Musical Theatre Ensemble at school but is thrilled to be a part of this full-length production. She'd like to thank this wonderful cast for making the experience so much fun!

Erica Argilan '17

Olive's Mom

Past Productions: "The Revolutionists" (Charlotte), "High School Musical" (Kelsi), "Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" (herself), "In the Heights" (Nina), "The Great Gatsby" (Mrs. Michaelis), "The Addams Family" (Lead Ancestor), "The Laramie Project" (Kelly Simpkins and her roles), "Hairspray" (Betty), and "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" (Marcy). "I would like to thank Mrs. Woodward and Mr. Mac for all of the amazing opportunities they've given me, and my family for always pushing me to be my best self. I'm so excited to perform alongside my little sister Julia!"

Julia Argilan '23

Leaf Coneybear

Past productions: "Shrek" (Dragon), "Brainstorm" (herself), "Oklahoma"(Kate), "Puffs" (Hannah and others), "Bring it On" (Rich Girl), "She Kills Monsters" (Bugbear and others) Activities: GSA Co-President, Tri-M Historian, Art Honors Society Vice-President, Spanish Honors Society, Creative Force dance. Julia is so excited to do her first community theater show and participate in the Spelling Game (Bee!) She would like to thank everyone involved with the production, the audience for your support, and, most importantly, Mom, Dad, Erica, Chloe, and Biscuit.

Peter H. Barna '04

Chip Tolentino

Peter is a 27th-grader who gets paid to yell at computers all day. He has previously appeared as Charlie Brown in his audition video for this show, as himself in karaoke at Nottingham's Tavern, and as Noah Claypole in "Oliver!" at ICS (2004). His hobbies include Magic: The Gathering, foraging for local berries, and singing early Fall Out Boy in his car. Mr. Barna would like to thank his wonderful fiancée Lisa for all of her support during the audition and rehearsal process, especially since she has been mainly responsible for planning their wedding during this time. He would also like to thank his parents for sending him to ICS in the first place, thereby making him eligible to appear in this show.

Logan Barnhill '23

William Barfee

Past Productions: "Shrek the Musical" (Shrek), "Brainstorm" (himself), "Oklahoma!" (Jud). Education: Belmont University studying Music Business (Freshman); Instagram: @ltb_music "I would like to thank my fellow alumni cast members for making this show as funny and awesome as it is. I would also like to thank our wonderful directors Mr. McCormick and Ms. Woodward for beginning this production and giving alumni an opportunity to perform on stage once again. Finally, thank you to my family for their continuing support and love.

Stephanie Chambers '00

Olive Ostrovsky

Recent Productions: "Cinderella" (Marie), "Hedda Gabler" (Thea Elvsted), "Cabaret" (props manager), "The Music Man" (Marian Paroo), "BIG the Musical" (Diane), "Pride & Prejudice" (props manager), "Fiddler on the Roof" (ensemble), "Bye Bye Birdie" (Mrs. MacAfee), and six years with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. Education: ICS Middle School '00, Broadneck High School '04, Ithaca College B.M. Vocal Performance & Music Ed. '08, UMASS Boston M.Ed Early Education '16. "I am thrilled to get to goof around with this fun and talented cast and team, finally work with the fabulous Jill Woodward again, and hopefully redeem myself from my last Spelling Bee 25 years ago at the Capital Gazette! Big thank you to Matt, Jill, and Emma and to everyone for coming!"

Stacy Frazier

Rona Lisa Peretti

Stacy is thrilled to be on stage at ICS and a part of "Spelling Bee." After enjoying a long career in musical theatre, she is happy to revisit the role of Rona, one she played nearly 15 years ago and thanks Matt and Jill for this fun opportunity. A graduate of the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!), her most favorite role is that of wife to Dwayne and mom to Logan (ICS Class of '33!).

Alston Georges '22

Olive's Dad

Past College Productions: "Heathers"(Principal Gowan), "In the Blood" (Baby), Past ICS Productions: "Oklahoma!" (Ike), "PUFFS" (J. Finch Fletchley), "Bring It On!" (Twig), "She Kills Monsters" (Tech Crew), "Newsies" (Jojo), "Beauty and the Beast" (Maurice). Currently a rising sophomore studying theater at the University of San Francisco, I’m grateful to be back at another ICS show, and I am glad to be a part of this cast. I’d like to thank my mom and dad for supporting my acting career and Ms. Woodward and Mr. Mac for being great directors!

Jordyne Hebron '20

Mitch Mahoney

High School: "High School Musical" (Ripper), "Heathers" (Ms.Flemming), "Newsies" (Featured Dancer/Bowrey Beauty), "She Kills Monsters"(Vera/Siren/The Beholder). Off High School: "Footloose" (Rusty), "Annie" (Grace), "Insert Last Name" (Addie), "The Revolutionists" (Marianne Angelle). Jordyne graduated as a part of the Class of 2020 and is currently studying at Pace University, with a major in Directing for Stage and a minor in Peace & Justice Studies & Political Science. She has found a passion for directing through watching her teachers before her, and they have inspired her to pursue the arts as she continues on to her senior year. She is very excited to be a part of "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," and she cannot thank Mr. Mac and Mrs.Woodward enough for the opportunity. She would also like to thank her friends, family, and boyfriend for always supporting her and encouraging her through everything. Jordyne would also like to thank her theater family for being by her side every day and all the laughs they shared during rehearsal. Lastly: Enjoy the show!

Emily Judson '14

Vice Principal Douglas Panch

Past productions: "The Revolutionists" (Marie Antionette), "Hairspray" (Prudy Pingleton), "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" (Sally), "Romeo and Juliet" (Mercutio). Emily spends her days as the Middle and Upper School librarian in the Vos Family Academic Resource Center here at ICS and loves to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea. She also enjoys to knit and crochet and is a certified Disney adult. Shoutout to Alice, Steve, Andrew, and Britta for all their support! Thank you for coming and enjoy the show.

Cate Malachowski '23

Marcy Park

Past Productions: "Shrek" (Fiona), "Brainstorm" (Herself), "Oklahoma!" (Ado Annie), "PUFFS" (Sally Perks & Others), "Bring It On" (Eva), "The Little Mermaid" (tech), "Brigadoon" (Maggie Anderson), "She Kills Monsters" (Evil Gabbi), "Bye Bye Birdie" (Rosie), "Beauty and the Beast" (Belle), "Seussical"(JoJo). Cate will be attending Rider University in the fall, studying for a BFA in musical theatre. “I would like to thank my amazing mom and dad for everything they’ve done for me. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be in an ICS alumni production! Finally, thank you to Mr. Mac and Mrs. Woodward for being the best directors I could ask for!"

Carol and Milo '21 Jones

Props Department

Past productions: "Peter Pan," "Annie" "Seussical," "Lost in Yonkers," "She Kills Monsters." “We have missed theater work and want to thank Mr. Mac & Mrs. Woodward for giving alumni the chance to get involved again!”

Emma Kornmeyer '21

Stage Manager

Emma was a part of many productions during her time at the Creek, spending three years as the "Overlord" (stage manager). She is currently studying Stage Management at Shenandoah University. She is so thrilled to be back working with such incredible people! Emma would like to thank Matt and Jill for letting her come back and practice her skills in her second home. She has thoroughly enjoyed the process of creating this show and hopes you enjoy it!

Matt McCormick

Stage Director

Matt has been associated with theater at Indian Creek for over two decades. After a brief flirtation with theater in college (Peter isn't the only "Jesus" in the room), he was recruited to work on the Creek's Middle School production of Peter Pan in 2001, and he's never looked back. Highlights for Matt include directing August Wilson's "Fences," "The Laramie Project," "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)," and more recently "Puffs." He's proud of the work he's done on dozens of shows with directing partner Jill Woodward, and is even more proud that so many alums have gone on to perform and work at the highest levels and all over the world! Matt is ecstatic that the community theater dreamed up years ago is finally on its feet! This cast of "Spelling Bee" is full of parents, alums, siblings, and faculty and is truly community theater. Even better, it's Indian Creek Community Theater. Even better than that? The show is amazing and hilarious and touching because of the cast's hard work this summer. Matt would like to thank his wife Tiffany, and his theater nerd kids, Campbell '24 and Rooney '29 for everything they put up with during every show. Now, sit back and enjoy and look for more to come from ACT@ICS next year!

Nick Paddy '16

Sound

Past Productions: "Shrek: The Musical" (Tech Supervisor), "Frozen Jr."(Technical Director), "Willy Wonka Kids" (Technical Director), "Matilda Jr." (Technical Director), "Little Mermaid Jr." (Technical Director), "Fame" (Technical Director), "101 Dalmatians" (Technical Director), "Bye Bye Birdie" (Technical Director), "Mulan" (Technical Director), "Honk" (Technical Director), "Elf" (Technical Director), "A Year With Frog & Toad" (Technical Director), "Lion King" (Technical Director), "Jungle Book" (Technical Director), "In the Heights" (Lighting Designer), "The Great Gatsby" (Lighting Designer), "The Adams Family" (Lighting Designer), "Laramie Project" (Lighting Designer), "Hairspray" (Lighting Designer), "Fences" (Lighting Designer), "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" (Lighting Designer), "West Side Story" (Lighting Assistant); Advanced Productions (AV Tech/Production Manager)

Julian Sherrod '23

spotlight

Currently a Stagehand at Advanced Productions, Julian's Past Productions include: "Finding Nemo, Jr." (Lighting Designer), "Annie Kids" (Lighting Designer), "Shrek" (Lighting Designer/Overlord), "Frozen, Jr." (Tech Supervisor), "Oklahoma" (Lighting Assistant/Underlord), "Matilda, Jr." (Tech Supervisor), "Brainstorm" (Lighting Designer/Overlord), "PUFFS" (Lighting Assistant), "Bring it On" (Stagehand), "She Kills Monsters" (Lighting Assistant). Education/Training: Current Undergraduate Student at George Washington University. "I would like to thank my friends, family, directors, as well as the many tech crew and actors over the years who have helped me gain the experience and memories that I have today in theater."

Izzy Sussman '26

Light board

Past Productions: "Shrek" (Lighting/ Underlord), "Brainstorm" (Lighting/ Underlord), "Matilda, Jr." (Sound), "Shoolhouse Rock Live, Jr." (Sound), "The Little Mermaid, Jr." (Projections). Activities: Field Hockey, Tennis, Green Club, Strings. “I’d like to thank my parents for being my number one fans and for Mr. Mac and Mrs. Woodward for always putting on a great show!”

Jill Woodward

Music Director & Choreographer

Jill is very excited that the dream of Alumni Community Theater is finally coming true! After directing over 100 shows at ICS (most of those with directing partner Matt McCormick), she is proud of this new venture and the amazing cast and crew that have come together to celebrate theater in this way. Jill has been amazed at the, sometimes literal, heights that have already been reached on ICS stages from middle schoolers flying above the stage in "Peter Pan" to over a hundred Upper School students involved in "Newsies." Seeing basketball stars become stars on stage, and watching ICS stage stars go on to perform on Broadway have been equally rewarding and full of joy. She hopes that in years to come, she will see more and more alumni and ICS community members rekindling their love of theater through the ACT project. During her 28 years at ICS, Jill has loved having the opportunity to teach performing arts in all grades, PK - 12. It has been her lifelong passion to expose students and audiences to the joy of music through meaningful and superior literature and experiences. It has been a unique opportunity to watch and work with many young Lower School students through camp, and then watch their talent and confidence grow through Middle and Upper School. Jill feels lucky to have met her wonderful husband Brad (everyone’s favorite history teacher!) at ICS and to have enjoyed both of her children, Samantha '13 and Jamie '22 at home and at school as their Mom and teacher. Thank you to this wonderful cast for being so fun and easy to work with! And a big thank you to 28 years of amazing students!

Gratitude for our Donors

Thank you to our founding donors without whom ACT@ICS would not have gotten off the ground.  Performance rights are very expensive, and this would not have happened without your generosity.  You have our profound thanks!  You have created real experiences for people in our community!

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