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Director's Notes

Welcome to CK Theatre's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! I am very excited for you to see the culmination of eight weeks of these students' hard work! I am beyond proud of each and every student involved with this production. From backstage to onstage, these students have come together in community to create an impressive piece of art! I hope you enjoy it as much as we all have!

I don't remember much, but I remember little awkward, energetic Dan in fifth grade sitting in his classroom when they announced a whole school spelling bee. I was so excited! I was smart (no jokes about the word "was" in this sentence), and I knew I could go far and maybe even win the whole thing. The day came, and I was ready. I spelled one word right—two words—three words. Before I knew it, I was in the final three! I got up to the microphone and I was given the word "dormitory." Uh oh. I did not know that one. So out came, "Dormitory. D-O-R-M-A-T-O-R-Y. Dormitory." That's when I heard the bell and they told me it wasn't an "a" but an "i." I was devastated. I was so close to winning and it slipped out of my hands at the last moment.

I'd like to say I learned a lesson from that, but I probably didn't. I do remember it well though and how I felt in that moment.  I know that we can all learn lessons from the characters in this production and how they feel in their moments. Yes, this show is silly, but Schwarzy's support and kindness, Olive's determination, Barfee's eventual sincerity, Marcy freeing herself from her stressful expectations, and Leaf's authentic personality and joy should be lessons for us all. 

Participate with joy! Represent yourself authentically! Be kind! Be determined! But try not to spell supercalifragilisticexpialidocious incorrectly like Julie Andrews did when she was a guest speller in the Broadway show back in 2007! :)

Daniel E Dobrovich

Director of Theatre

Cranbrook Schools

Song List

Meet The Company

Arden Baker

Olive

Arden Baker (senior) is so thankful and excited to be playing the role of Olive. This will be Arden's seventh Cranbrook show. Her favorite role she has been casted as was Karen in Mean Girls, however she is just as pumped about this. Arden would like to thank her mom for helping her prepare for auditions, her dad and sister for helping her learn her “I Love You Song” harmonies, her brother for tolerating the intense volume of her JBL speaker, her boyfriend, Isaac, for helping her learn her lines, the directors and the whole Cranbrook Theatre department for always supporting her, and her dog, Ruffy, for just being so cute. 

Jack Stoll

Chip/Dan Dad/Olive’s Dad

Jack Stoll (senior) is thrilled to be playing Chip, Dan Dad, and Olive’s Dad in this production! He started Cranbrook Theatre as a sophomore and has been in four Cranbrook Theatre shows since. His favorite role at Cranbrook was Prince Topher in Cinderella, but his favorite role to date was Toby in Sweeney Todd with Avon Players. Outside of theatre, Jack enjoys skiing, diving, and track. In college, Jack plans to continue studying vocal performance!

Anthony Frederick

William Barfée

Anthony Frederick (freshman) is eager to be playing William Barfée in this production. This will be Anthony's debut in the Cranbrook Theatre program. His favorite role he has ever played was Mal in The Addams Family at the Saint Dunstan’s, when he performed at 13 years old. Outside of theatre, Anthony enjoys song writing, creative writing, and reading. His favorite part of Cranbrook theatre are the people because everyone is so kind and accepting. Anthony would like to thank his mom for being the reason he fell in love with theatre and thanks to his dad for supporting him along the way.

Ava Gregory

Logainne

Ava Gregory (sophomore) is delighted to be playing the role of Logainne. She has been in two Cranbrook shows, one of them being Romeo in Juliet. In this Shakespearean play, she was casted as Juliet. Ava loved this role because she believes her and Juliet have similar personalities. Along with theatre, Ava has been dancing since she was little and is starting to get back into it. Her favorite part of Cranbrook theatre are the friends she has made along the way. Ava would like to thank these friends because they have made being a part of the shows even more fun.

Arielle Olkhovsky

Marcy Park

Arielle Olkhovsky (senior) is celebrating The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as her seventh Cranbrook production! In this show, she is playing Marcy Park. Arielle started in the Cranbrook Theatre program as a freshman, but she has been coming to all the Cranbrook Theatre shows since she was little, so she is very sad to leave as a senior. However, she is excited to pursue her acting career further. Arielle would like to thank her mom and brother for being so supportive and patient, she would also like to thank her friends for making this the best senior year musical ever.

Harlow Thurman

Leaf

Harlow Thurman (freshman) is excited for her debut in Cranbrook Theatre as Leaf! Harlow participates in theatre outside of school. For example, she was in Frozen and The Little Mermaid Jr. She also enjoys playing tennis and singing. Harlow’s favorite musical ever is Funny Girl. She wants to thank her parents for supporting, and thanks to Elizabeth Medvinsky and Deborah Tendrick for helping her prepare for the role!

Bella Gerlants-Mavashev

Olive

Olive is being played by the extremely talented Bella Gerlants-Mavashev (senior). Bella started Cranbrook Theatre as a freshman, and this will be her seventh show. Olive is her favorite role she has been casted as. However, her favorite show she performed in was Mean Girls, where she was casted as Regina George. Her favorite part of Cranbrook Theatre are the friends she has made. Bella would like to thank and dedicate he senior show to her mom, her Babbie, and the rest of her family.

Travis Effinger

Chip

Chip is being played by the incredible Travis Effinger (sophomore). He started Cranbrook Theatre as a freshman and has been in every show since. Something Travis likes to do outside of theatre is script writing. He and others are working on a script to be performed at the spring show! Firstly, Travis would like to thank his friends and family for their love and support. He would also like to give a huge thanks to Mr. Jim Gabriel, the Cranbrook Kingswood vocal director. In his own inspiring words, “Mr. Gabriel, you have taught me so much including how to read music better, how to be confident in my voice, and most of all; the importance of the word ‘Antepenultimate.’ We will all miss you so much, thank you for everything!”

Lee Gold

William Barfée

Lee Gold (senior) is excited to make his appearance on stage as William Barfée. This will be his eighth production with Cranbrook Theatre. His favorite character he has been casted as is this role! Lees favorite show he has been in was Alice in Wonderland. In this performance, he was casted as Humpty Dumpty. Lee played the role of Humpty Dumpty hilariously. Outside of theatre, he loves writing, reading, and art. Lee's favorite part of Cranbrook Theatre is how it has put him out of his comfort zone and has changed him for the better. Lee would like to thank his mom because she is his biggest supporter. He also wants to thank the Cranbrook Theatre community for being supportive.

Margaux Kotcher

Logianne

Margaux Kotcher (senior) is incredibly thrilled to be playing Logainne in this production. This will be Margaux's fifth show with Cranbrook Theatre! Her favorite show was Mean Girls, where she was casted as Gretchen. At The International Thespian Society festival, Margaux preformed a musical theatre solo performance to the song “Killer Instinct” from Bring It On. This performance received an excellence rating, the highest rating one can receive at festival. Finally, she would like to thank the Cranbrook Theatre community and everyone who has supported her, especially friend Lauryn Blanks. Margaux would also like to thank her family for introducing her to theatre and attending every show since she was five. They have always shown her unconditional support, and she loves to spot them in the audience.

Lauryn Blanks

Marcy Park

Lauryn Blanks (junior) is thrilled to be playing Marcy Park in this production. Previously, Lauryn has been in seven upper school shows and two middle school shows. So far, this show and role has been her favorite. Outside of school, she dances and plays basketball. Lauryn’s favorite part of Cranbrook Theatre is the people; she loves everyone in the program. She would like to thank her friend Margaux for always being so welcoming. Lauryn says hanging out with Margaux is the highlight of her day.

Calvin Finneran

Leaf

Calvin Finneran (sophomore) is thrilled to be a part of this production, playing the role of Leaf. He started Cranbrook Theatre as a freshman and has been in two previous shows: Mean girls and the spring show. Outside of school, Calvin likes to play video games, do homework, and hang out with his friends. His favorite part of Cranbrook Theatre is the sense of community. Calvin would like to thank everyone in the show for making this all come together. He especially would like to thank his sister, Lola Finneran (student assistant director), for always being there and supporting him.

Anna Schultz

Rona Lisa Perretti

The brilliant Anna Schultz (senior) is playing Rona Lisa Perretti in this production. This is Annas seventh Cranbrook show, with her favorite being Cinderella, where she was casted as Cinderella herself. Anna loved this show because she likes Golden Age musicals and thinks that the Roger and Hammerstein music is beautiful. Over the summer, Anna spent six weeks at a program where she studied classical voice. At the program, she performed a solo voice recitals and got to see the Boston Symphony Orchestra perform. Anna would like to thank the cast and crew for putting so much work into the show and for having so much fun with it! She also would like to thank everyone who has made the last four years with Cranbrook Theatre so enjoyable!

Chiara Pirra

Vice Principal Panch

The talented Chiara Pirra (junior) is playing Vice Principal Panch in this production. Chiara has been involved in Cranbrook Theatre since middle school, and this will be her sixth upper school show. Her favorite role was Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet. Outside of theatre, Chiara enjoys photography, playing piano, and playing guitar. Her favorite part of Cranbrook Theatre are pre-show traditions. Finally, Chiara would like to thank her parents!

Anastasia Nevelev

Mitch Mahoney

Mitch Mahoney is being played by the extraordinary Anastasia Nevelev (senior). This production will be her eighth time involved in a Cranbrook Theatre show! Anastasia is a State Thespian Officer (STO) at The International Thespian Society Festival. As an STO, she runs the festival, preforms and creates the opening number, designs T-shirts, raises money, and is always available to help people at the festival. Anastasia's favorite part of Cranbrook Theatre is the ability to express herself and the fact that everyone is there to support each other. She would like to thank her parents for always cheering her on at performances, bearing with her voice lessons, and being supportive at rehearsals. She would also like to thank David Kopera for supporting her no matter what. Finally, Anastasia wants to thank the cast and crew of Spelling Bee for being so dedicated and making beautiful choices, truly bringing this show to life. In her own words, “I love hanging out with you guys every day after school. You rock!!”

Briana Stalheber

Jesus Christ/Ensemble

Briana Stalheber (junior) is excited to be a part of the ensemble and to be playing Jesus Christ in this production. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be Briana's fifth show in the upper school. Her favorite role she has played within Cranbrook Theatre was Lady Montague in Romeo and Juliet. Outside of theatre, Briana enjoys painting, reading, and listening to music. At the moment, her favorite music artist is Phoebe Bridgers. Briana's favorite part of Cranbrook Theatre is the community. Finally, she would like to thank her family and all her friends.

Adahlia Xu

Leaf's Dad/ensemble

Adahlia Xu (senior) is playing Leaf’s Dad and is the dance captain. As a dance captain, she leads warm-ups, practices, and choreography rehearsals. During this production, she will choreograph one or two dances by herself. Adahlia has participated in four Cranbrook shows and her favorite was Mean Girls, because it was very dance based. Outside of theatre, Adahlia has been playing piano for 13 years and loves listening to music. Her favorite part of Cranbrook Theatre is spending time with friends and getting to know new people. She wants to thank her family and friends for supporting her!

Rachel Weissman

Leaf's Mom / Ensemble

Rachel Weissman (senior) is playing Leaf’s Mom in this performance. This is her fifth Cranbrook Theatre show, and she has been a part of the cast for all five. Mean Girls was her favorite show because it was her first musical, and she connected with so many people. Rachel enjoys F1, listening to music, reading, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends. Rachel would like to thank her parents for always supporting her.

Karenna Klein

Leafs sister/ensemble

Karenna Klein (freshman) is making her Cranbrook Theatre debut as Leaf's sister and ensemble. Her favorite part of the show is how everyone is so welcoming, and the theater community is like one big family. Previously, Karenna was cast as Ariel in St. Patrick White Lake School's production of The Little Mermaid Jr. Outside of theatre, she plays the violin and piano, sings, and also participates in student government, tennis and skiing! Karenna would like to thank her family, friends, and Faith for support in everything she loves to do!

Eden Wiater

Ensemble

Eden Wiater (freshman) is thrilled to be in the ensemble for her first Cranbrook Theatre production. She has previously participated in theatre in middle school and continues to perform outside of school. Eden’s favorite show she has been in was Matilda with Youth Village Players. Outside of theatre, she loves to sing, write, and going for walks. Eden has wanted to be involved in the upper school Cranbrook Theatre program since elementary school, so she is very excited to finally be here! She would like to thank her family for always being there for her and her friends for their support.

Maya Hamada

Ensemble

Maya Hamada (freshman) is excited to make her Cranbrook Theatre debut as a member of the ensemble. She is a boarding student from Japan and this is her first time being a part of a theatre production. She was always interested in theatre throughout middle school, but never had the opportunity to perform. Outside of theatre, she loves baking and knitting. Maya's favorite part of Cranbrook Theatre is that everyone shares similar interest. She would like to thank her parents, sister, guardian, friends, teachers, and cats.

Lily Yu

Ensemble

Lily Yu (freshman) is making her Cranbrook Theatre debut as a member of the ensemble. Lily loves theatre and performed in middle school, so she is excited to continue the theatre experience. She has been dancing for eight years and enjoys all types of dances. Lily would like to thank her mom for introducing her to Cranbrook, and her middle school director, Ms. Moon, because she encouraged Lily to be involved in theatre.

Moira Henry-Rogers

Ensemble

Moira Henry-Rogers (freshman) is ecstatic to begin her upper school Cranbrook Theatre career in the ensemble. She has been involved in the Cranbrook Theatre program since kindergarten at Brookside. Moria’s favorite musical ever is Grease. Outside of theatre Moira loves acting, dancing, and science. Moria would like to thank her family for pushing her to do things she’d normally be terrified to do.

Lola Finneran

Student Assistant Director

Lola Finneran (senior) is one of the Assistant Student Directors for this production. This is Lola’s fifth Cranbrook Theatre production, but usually she is in the cast. So, this will be Lola's first time in the role of Assistant Student Director. Lola's favorite role was Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet since she learned how to do epic fight choreography with swords! Outside of theatre, Lola is the captain of the Cranbrook softball team. Lastly, she would like to thank all the cast, crew, and pit for their hard work! Lola would also like to thank her awesome brother Calvin Finneran (sophomore).

Fia Vainner

Student Assistant Director

Fia Vannier (senior) is acting as one of the Assistant Student Directors for this production. Previously, Fia has acted in six shows at Cranbrook, but she is truly excited about this one because it is her first time directing. Fia's fondest memory of the Cranbrook Theatre program was writing a script for the Spring Show in 2021. This show holds a special place in her heart because it was the first time she made close friends in theatre. Outside of theatre, Fia is involved in horseback riding and loves art. She would like to thank her parents for always being supportive and there when she wants to take on something new. She’ll always be grateful for their support and love. Fia is also grateful for her best friends, she would like to thank them for making senior year so incredible.

Megan Granger

Student Producer

Megan Granger (junior) is super excited to be the Student Producer of this production! As the Student Producer, Megan gets an insight on what the business side of a theatre program looks like. For example, she got to create the playbills. This is the third Cranbrook Theatre production she has been involved in. So far, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is her favorite production because it is the first year the Student Producer role was introduced to the Cranbrook Theatre program. Megan would like to thank her parents and sister. Also, Mr. D for helping her create the role of student producer. Most importantly though, she would like to thank all the seniors in the theatre program. They are some of her closest friends and have made her experience in upper school theater the best ever. She will truly miss them next year.

Joel Kwiatkowski

Stage Manager

Joel Kwiatkowski (senior) is acting as the Stager Manager for this production. Astonishingly, this will be his tenth show with Cranbrook Theatre! Joel has the most love and nostalgia for his first show at Cranbrook, which was Lost Girl. This show was performed at the Greek Theatre! Joel thinks that his is an amazing space, which presented a lot of challenges, but also had many creative opportunities. In his spare time, he plays guitar, sings casually and competitively, he also loves to cook. Joel would like to thank all the faculty who makes Cranbrook Theatre possible and all the seniors before him for their mentorship. Finally, to this year’s cast and crew: “I am so very proud of you all.”

Catriona Karimipour

Deck Captain

Catriona Karimipour (senior) is the Deck Captain for this production. Catriona is responsible for many backstage tasks. For example, she gives the members of the crew all their directions and duties. Catriona has been involved in four Cranbrook Theatre shows. Her favorite was Cinderella. This was because it was so fun to put together. However, for Catriona, Mean Girls is a close second favorite. Outside of the crew, she likes to make jewelry. Catriona would like to thank all the people who have made the stage crew such a welcoming and friendly environment.

Sofia Khan

Sound Chief

Sofia Khan (junior) is acting as the Sound Chief. As the Sound Chief, she manages all the audio features in the production. This is Sofia’s fifth Cranbrook show. She was in the cast for two Spring Show performances, participated in the sound crew for the play, and was a part of the props team for the musical. Sofia enjoyed last year’s spring show the most because she loved hearing the audience laugh and the fact that it is purely student-led. She would like to thank Mr. Rahn and Mr. D for helping her take on such a big leadership role. Sofia would also like the thank the amazing cast and stage manager, Joel Kwiatkowski (senior), for being so cooperative and cheering her on.

Andrew Liu

Props Master

Andrew Liu (junior) is acting as the Props Master. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be his sixth time participating in a Cranbrook Theatre show. Romeo and Juliet was his favorite production because the general atmosphere of the stage crew was very fun and upbeat. He got close with everyone there. Outside of the stage crew, Andrew plays chess and is a part of the robotics team.

Alysa Xia

Master Carpenter

Alysa Xia (senior) is the Master Carpenter for this production. She is responsible for the construction, mounting, and rigging of the scenery. Alysa has been in the stage crew for five productions. However, this is her first time being the Master Carpenter. Outside of the stage crew, she likes to visit art exhibitions and to sing! Alysa would like Cranbrook Theatre and the stage crew; she is so thankful to have found her “home” on campus. Everyone is so supportive and create a welcoming community. She wants to wish everyone the best in pursuing what is ahead of them!

Sienna LaVerde

Master Electrician

Sienna LaVerde (sophomore) is acting as the Master Electrician for this production. She is responsible for all lighting and electric aspects of the performance. This is her fourth production doing lighting. Mean Girls was her favorite show to be involved with. Outside of stage crew, Sienna plays basketball. Sienna goes to Interlochen summer camp for six weeks. Finally, She would like to thank her friends and parents.

Ariel (Chuyan) Zhang

Flute

Ariel Zhang (senior) is playing the flute with the pit orchestra. This is her fourth show with Cranbrook Theatre. During Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella, she was a part of the deck crew. However, last year, she was in the pit orchestra for Mean Girls, and is back in the pit orchestra for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. When not playing the flute, Ariel likes to take walks and write short stories. Ariel would like to thank her mom and dad for sending her to Cranbrook, Mr. Hourigan for the awesome energy he always brings, her friends for being so supportive, and finally Summer Su (senior) for just being funny.

Lewen Feng

Clarinet

Lewen Fang (junior) is playing the clarinet in the pit orchestra. This is his second Cranbrook show, he also played the clarinet last year for Mean Girls. Lewen loved playing the clarinet for Mean Girls, but he is even more excited for this production. Outside of the pit orchestra, Lewen travels for debate tournaments and he is the coxswain for varsity rowing team. Lewen also participated in the Cranbrook Wilderness Program. He would like to thank his parents for their support, Mr. Hourigan along with the directors of the show, and the friends he has made in orchestra pit for creating unforgettable memories!

Summer Su

Alto Saxophone

Summer Su (senior) is the saxophonist in the pit orchestra for this production! She also played the saxophone in the pit orchestra for Mean Girls. However, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has been her favorite production yet! This is because of the music and how hilarious the cast is! Outside of playing the saxophone, Summer loves to spend time outdoors. Finally, she would like to thank her parents, Mr. Hourigan, and Ariel Zhang (senior) for always offering to turn page number seven in her music book.

Coco Brumblay

Cello

Coco Brumblay (senior) is in the pit orchestra playing the Cello! Unbelievably, she has been playing the cello since she was two years old! During her freshman and junior year, Coco was a part of the costume crew. However, in both her senior and sophomore year she has played in the pit orchestra. She loved being on the costume crew for Mean Girls because the costumes were so fun to create. Outside of costume crew and playing the cello, Coco likes to crochet and read. She would like to thank Mrs. Lewand and Mr. Hourigan for making her entire theatre experience so exciting!

Aaron Wang

Piano

Aaron Wang (senior) is part of the pit orchestra, playing the piano! Previously for pit orchestra, Aaron played the harp for Cinderella and the synth for Mean Girls. However, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has been his favorite. Also, Aaron received the Slotkin Scholar award for piano from Cranbrook! This award is given to students who have exceptional music abilities and are dedicated to their instrument. This is an incredible and honorable award to receive. Aaron would like to thank his parents, Mr. Hourigan, and the Slotkin family for supporting his musical journey.

Phin (Pheonix) Rim

Drum Set

Phin Rim (senior) is playing the drum set for the pit orchestra. This will be his third time being involved in a Cranbrook Theatre production. His favorite production he got to play the music for was Cinderella. Outside of the pit orchestra, Phin plays the drums for fun and, incredibly, he has written his own book! Lastly, Phin would like to thank his drum instructor Ron Strnad.

David (Hongyuan) Wang

Percussion

David Wang (junior) is the percussionist and playing the glockenspiel in the pit orchestra! This is David's first time being involved in a Cranbrook Theatre performance. He really enjoys this production because the cast is fantastic, and the plot is super interesting. Outside of the pit orchestra, David plays the guitar, drums, basketball, and sails. He would like to thank Mr. Strnad and Mr. Hourigan for this incredible opportunity.

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