Bee Is An All Around B-l-a-s-t Stephanie Lund talks to Patrick Catullo, a producer of the hilarious Broadway hit show, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which was an Off-Broadway hit at Second Stage, moved to Broadway this September, opening at the Circle in the Square Theater.“ (It’s) a little different, a little edgier, and a little smarter,” said Patrick Catullo, one of the Producers of the Bee.

Everything about the show - from the audience participation, to the adult actors playing children, to the theater set - makes this play truly exceptional. The audience is immersed in the elementary-school-gymnasium-set from the moment they enter the theater with its numerous school banners, pictures, and signs. “It’s an alternative to your typical big Broadway musical, (both) seen in the quality of the writing and in the performances. Audience participation and an unconventional theater space, paired with adult actors playing children, are all pitfalls of theater, yet these elements are turned into strengths,” said Catullo.

Catullo got his start with David Stone (one of the producers of the Bee and other Broadway hits like Wicked). Catullo has also worked on other off-Broadway projects including The Vagina Monologues. Catullo first saw The Spelling Bee (with Stone) in the Berkshires and he loved the show from the minute he saw it. “It was both creative and artistic and I felt that it was potentially commercial,'' said Catullo. He saw the intelligence and originality in the play and was sure that it would translate to audiences everywhere. He couldn’t have been more right, as seen with the Bee’s “graduation” to Broadway and the continued success and buzz surrounding the play.

“I think it’s smart and funny, and more than being funny, it’s about growing up. The people that are in spelling bees aren’t your jocks, they’re ‘losers.’ They’re not the kids that sit at the cool lunch table or the ones that get picked first in gym, they’re your underdogs. It’s the joys and pains of being an adolescent that truly comes across in this play,” said Catullo.

The six leading characters are as unique as their stories. When asked about his favorite character, Catullo chose Leaf Coneybear, although it wasn’t an easy decision. "I love that each character has a journey; everyone ends the show in a different place from where they started. I couldn’t really pick a favorite, but if I had to, I think Coneybear is the one I most identify with. I tend to get lost in my own world too.” Another favorite character is Williams Barfee, played by Dan Fogler. Barfee is the character who spells out words with his foot. Fogler received an Tony for his performance as Barfee. These underdogs definitely come out on top and with its continued successful run, the Bee is sure to stick around and stay on top too.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is playing at Circle in the Square Theatre. Tickets are $95.00 at 212-239-6200 or 800-432-7250 or www.telecharge.com. For more information: www.spellingbeethemusical.com.

Circle in the Square Theatre 1633 Broadway New York, NY 10019