The Del Mar Drama department is gearing up for their spring musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” affectionately known as ‘Putnam’ among the team. This comedic production, set in the geographically ambiguous Putnam County, revolves around six middle schoolers and their escapades during a spelling bee. Opening officially on April 12 at 7:30p.m., the show will run for three weekends (April 12-13, 18-20, and 26-27).
Notably, April 18th has been designated as ‘Student Night,’ granting free admission to all students with a school ID. Tickets, priced between $5-$15, are available at delmardrama.ludus.com. It’s important to note that due to adult language and themes, the production carries a PG-13 rating.
For insight into the preparation behind the scenes, we sat down with director Joel “Carl” Yowell.
Q: Can you tell us about what goes on behind the scenes when preparing for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” without giving away secrets from rehearsals?
A: It’s a dynamic process. Musicals are a complicated undertaking. There are a host of rehearsals dedicated to learning the individual aspects of the play, starting with weeks of music rehearsals to learn the songs. That’s the backbone of the process.
The next step is to ‘put the show on its feet’—choreography and staging, which is integrated with the music the cast has already learned. While this is going on, the design team (set, lights, costumes) are working in their shops refining and building designs.
Throughout the weeks of preparation, the production team (director, designers, stage manager, and marketing) are in constant contact as the production evolves. Ideas are polished or discarded.
Q: How does the drama department make sure the play is done efficiently while also getting everyone excited for it?
A: This is done via regular rehearsals, production meetings, and constant online communications (facilitated by the stage manager.) As each step is completed, the company sees the show take shape.
For example, when the cast finally masters a song in harmony, or when they run through the entire choreography of a number for the first time, there is a palpable sense of satisfaction. That gets everyone excited.
Q: What parts of making the play, like creating characters or music, have been really fun or challenging to do?
A: Every member of the company will answer this differently. In my role as the director, I get a charge out of seeing the concept for staging a scene or musical number take physical shape, and discovering that it actually works! Also: happy accidents, or when someone contributes a small idea that fills out the scene. The collaboration is fun.
Q: How does the drama department get students excited about the play without ruining the surprise of the show?
A: It’s really like throwing a very elaborate party. You want all of your guests to have fun, to be delighted, and to share their experience. The anticipation keeps everyone excited.
Q: Are there any events or activities coming up before the play opens?
A: We have a tradition in the drama program called ‘halfway day,’ which is on the Friday nearest the halfway point in the semester. Everyone in the Drama Program—students, cast, crew, faculty—get together for a big work call in the costume and scene shops. We follow it up with lunch. This semester the cast may give the crew a private preview of some of the musical numbers!
Q: What do you think the audience will like most about “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”?
A: It’s funny and quirky. It is about ‘word nerds,’ so the characters are relatable—if it isn’t you, it’s someone you know,” Yowell predicts. “Some audience volunteers are invited to spell in the Bee as well, so there is a little bit of improv involved in the show, which keeps the actors on their toes! It should be noted that there is some adult content (a little bit of language), so it would be rated PG-13. Although the story is about kids, it’s not for kids!”
