Moorhead High and its musical theatre students will be honored at the Hennepin Trust’s SpotLight Musical Theatre Program.  The eighth annual SpotLight Showcase will take place at 7 p.m., Monday, June 3, 2013 at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis. SpotLight is Hennepin Theatre Trust’s flagship educational initiative which honors, supports and advocates for Minnesota high school musical theatre students and programs. This year, 56 schools including nine from greater Minnesota, are presenting musicals made possible by the collaboration of almost 5,000 students and are annually seen by an estimated 105,000 audience members.

Moorhead High presented The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and for its achievements is receiving some of Hennepin Theatre Trust’s highest honors:

• Outstanding Performance
• Outstanding Production
• Outstanding Chorus
• Outstanding Orchestra

Individual acting awards went to the following students:

• Devon Manney as William Barfee – Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role
• Nina Grollman as Olive Ostrovsky – Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role
• Noah Johnson as Leaf Coneybear – Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role
• Annie Cameron as Mary Martha – Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role
• Jade Krsnak as Logainne – Honorable Mention Performance in a Leading Role
• Emily Kari as Rona Lisa Peretti – Honorable Performance in a Supporting Role
• Cameron Wintersteen as Principal Panch – Honorable Performance in a Supporting Role
• Drew Swenson as Chip Tolentino – Honorable Performance in a Supporting Role
• Karina Twedt as Marcy Park – Honorable Performance in a Supporting Role
• Jordan Hartjen as Mr. Ostrovsky/Security – Honorable Performance in a Featured Role
• Tanner Tweten as Carl Dad – Honorable Performance in a Featured Role
• Colby Schwartzwalter as Dan Dad – Honorable Performance in a Featured Role

The SpotLight Musical Theatre Program celebrates high school musicals and students by recognizing extraordinary achievements and helping to develop young

talent in Minnesota’s high school musical theatre programs. Moorhead High and its musical theatre students will also be honored at the eighth annual SpotLight Showcase. The gala evening celebrates and honors high school musical theatre accomplishments by featuring dynamic student performances mixed with award presentations. Last year’s event sold out and featured more than 800 Minnesota students performing on the Orpheum stage.

Moorhead High School’s director of theater, Rebecca Meyer-Larson said, “This is our fourth consecutive year receiving the ‘Outstanding Production’ award, SpotLight’s highest honor. The honor recognizes a tradition of excellence at Moorhead High. These young people have been nurtured in the arts by parents, teachers, and neighbors who enthusiastically applaud their efforts and loudly proclaim that the arts matter.  We are thrilled to be validated for our creative efforts”

Hennepin Theatre Trust, non-profit owner of the historic Orpheum, State, Pantages and the newly developed New Century Theatres, is an independent organization dedicated to enriching the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the Twin Cities and to arts-inspired community cultural development. The Trust established the SpotLight Musical Theatre Program after recognizing that none existed in Minnesota to honor excellence in high school musical theatre. The Trust supports participating schools by providing high-quality learning, performing and creative experiences for students to develop and empower the next generation of innovative leaders.

SpotLight’s benefits include the opportunity to work with local and national theatre educators and musical theatre professionals who offer training, insight through critical feedback and on-site school workshops. A group of evaluators is retained by the Trust to assess each production with constructive written commentary and nominate honorees. Categories include outstanding performance in leading, supporting and featured roles, outstanding performance by a chorus, dance ensemble and student orchestra, outstanding overall performance of a musical and outstanding overall production of a musical. Shows are not compared or ranked against each other, so categories may have multiple honorees. Schools annually apply to participate and pay a nominal administration fee. SpotLight advocates for the importance of high school musical theatre education to support the statewide community of theatre artists, teachers and families who participate in this art form.

The two final performances will be held this Thanksgiving weekend for you to enjoy loads of laughs at Moorhead High School theater department’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Every performance of the Tony-Award winning, musical comedy is a bit different, thanks to a rotation of unrehearsed, celebrity “guest spellers” who are called on stage to improvise with the cast. If you’ve seen it once, you can come back again to enjoy more surprises!,
The first two weekends of shows have played to large audiences, and word spread fast about this dynamic, musical comedy presented by Moorhead High’s cast and crew. Don’t miss your final opportunities to experience the raucous laughter with the rest of the audience. You’ll still have a grin on your face as you leave the theater!

The hit musical features an unlikely group heroes – an odd, yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out, yet still fit in at the same time. Audiences will share countless hilarious moments, outstanding singing and choreography, plus some very poignant scenes. Celebrity “guest spellers” scheduled to appear with the amazinly talented ensemble of Moorhead high students in the remaining performances are as follows:

Nov. 23 (Friday, Thanksgiving weekend, 7:30 pm): Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader, Leah; Broadway star and MHS alum, Becky Gulvig; WDAY radio personality Christopher Gabriel; Miss North Dakota 2012, Rosie Sauvageau.

Nov. 24 (Saturday, Thanksgiving weekend, 7:30 pm):KFGO’s Sandy Buttweiler; Doug Hamilton, host of Prairie Public Radio’s “Hear It Now” and long-time media veteran, MHS Theater alumnus/Improv artist Laura Dandurand, and hockey great Dave Christian.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be performed at the Moorhead High School auditorium. The final two shows are Friday, November 23 and Saturday, November 24. Show times for both performances are 7:30 PM. Tickets are $6 for students (ages 18 and under) and $10 for adults. Tickets will be available at the door as long as seating is available, so arrive very early in case of sell-out crowds! (During schooldays before 4 p.m., tickets can be purchased in advance at the MHS Activities Office or reserve your tickets by calling the Activities Office at 218-284-2345.) See more information on our Box Office page.

You have two more weekends to enjoy lots of laughs at Moorhead High School theater department’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.  Each performance of  the Tony-Award winning, musical comedy is a little different thanks to a rotation of celebrity guest stars, so you can see it more than once, yet always be treated to new surprises!

The hit musical features the unlikeliest of heroes – a quirky, yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time. Audiences will share countless hilarious moments, outstanding singing and choreography,  and even some poignant scenes. Celebrity guest stars  will make appearances during the performances alongside the amazingly talented ensemble of Moorhead High students:

Nov. 16 (Friday): WDAY-TV anchor/reporter Kelsey Roseth; Moorhead High School assistant principal Dave Lawrence; Moorhead Spuds state wrestling champion and football running back, Chase Morlock; Mrs. North Dakota 2010 Shelly Gompf.

Nov. 17 (Saturday): WDAY-TV news reporter Kevin Wallevand; F-M radio personality Jim Daniels; Moorhead High School principal Russ Henegar; Moorhead orchestra teacher Doug Neill (also a member of the band Post-Traumatic Funk Syndrome).

Nov. 18 (Sunday matinee):  Valley News Live anchor Stephanie Goetz; Clay County Sheriff Bill Bergquist; Actor/politician J.J. Gordon.

Nov. 23 (Friday, Thanksgiving weekend): Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader, Leah; Broadway star and MHS alum, Becky Gulvig; WDAY radio personality Christopher Gabriel; Miss North Dakota 2012, Rosie Sauvageau.

Nov. 24 (Saturday, Thanksgiving weekend):  KFGO’s Sandy Buttweiler; Doug Hamilton, host of Prairie Public Radio’s “Hear It Now” and long-time media veteran.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be performed at the Moorhead High School auditorium. The remaining shows are November 16-18, and November 23-24 (Thanksgiving weekend). Show times are 7:30 PM Fridays and Saturdays, with this Sunday’s matinee at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $6 for students (ages 18 and under) and $10 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the MHS Activities Office or by calling (218) 284-2345. Tickets will also be available at the door. Please arrive early to buy tickets and be seated before the performances.

The fun starts this weekend, with opening night on Friday, November 9. You’ll enjoy lots of laughs at Moorhead High School theater department’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The Tony-Award winning, musical comedy will be performed during three weekends this month, and each show will be a little different thanks to a rotation of celebrity guest stars, so you can see it more than once, yet always be treated to new surprises!

The hit musical features the unlikeliest of heroes – a quirky, yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time. Audiences will share countless hilarious moments, outstanding singing and choreography,  and even some poignant scenes. Take a look at the long list of celebrity guest stars who will make appearances during the performances alongside the amazingly talented ensemble of Moorhead High students:

Nov. 9: Radio personalities, Rat and Zero from Y-94, plus Steve Poitras from KFGO.

Nov. 10:  Fox News Director Jim Shaw and radio personalities, Cori Jensen from FM105 and Mike McFeely from KFGO.

Nov. 11:  Former TV personality and current FM Convention and Visitors Bureau President, Charley Johnson.

Nov. 16: Moorhead mayor, Mark Voxland and WDAY Reporter, Kelsey Roseth.

Nov. 17: (To be announced)

Nov. 18:  KVLY news personalities, Stephanie Goetz and Amy Unrau, plus Clay County Sheriff Bill Bergquist.

Nov. 23: WDAY radio personality, Christopher Gabriel and Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader, Leah.

Nov. 24:  (To be announced)

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be performed at the Moorhead High School auditorium November 9-11, November 16-18, and November 23-24 (Thanksgiving weekend). Show times are 7:30 PM Fridays and Saturdays, with Sunday matinees at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $6 for students (ages 18 and under) and $10 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the MHS Activities Office or by calling (218) 284-2345. Tickets will also be available at the door. Please arrive early to buy tickets and be seated before the performances.

The cast, crew, and artistic staff of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee are incredibly excited to present to you our creative twist on this modern musical! This week alone has included over 30 hours spent by the cast alone on rehearsing lines, songs, and choreography, not including the time spent practicing outside of rehearsal. That, however, is an inadequate representation of the time spent by the professional and student artistic staffs, technicians, costumers, and parents on creating the world that is Putnam County. The dedication and passion of every person involved in this program is incredible, and this program would be nowhere without them.

One of the most exciting components of this show is the integration of celebrity and guest spellers, both local and statewide. Everyone is very excited to see them up on stage with the rest of the Putnam community. There are just a couple of spots still open for “celebrity spellers,’ so if there are any celebrities, local or otherwise who come to mind, or you are a celebrity who is interested in spelling a few words, please contact us director Rebecca Meyer-Larson. All contact information can be found on MoorheadTheater.com.

Sydney Arends (a junior and a first year performer)

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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a Tony-Award winning musical celebrating the kids who are intelligent in a variety of ways, and seeking to simply fit in, will grace the Moorhead High School auditorium stage November 9-11, 16-18, and 23-24. Show times include 7:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and matinees on 3:00 PM on Sundays. Ticket prices are $6 for students 18 or under, and $10 for adults, and can be purchased at the Moorhead High School Activities Office, or calling (218) 284-2345. We hope you will bee there!

As the fall break drew to a close, I was hit with a startling realization: that I am an upperclassman. It feels like just yesterday that I was a little freshman, auditioning for Tommy. It’s hard to believe that I have come this far, and quite frankly, I’m terrified.

For the last three years, and much longer in some cases, I have followed the class above me. They have led me through auditions, seemingly endless rehearsals, opening nights, tealights, and Tiny Dancers.  In a way, they have been like a security blanket for me. I have trusted them to keep me safe (and sane) through this crazy experience that we call the “Fall Musical.” They have never ceased to inspire me. But soon, they will graduate, and I will have to fend for myself. Not only that, but I will have to be that kind of role model for someone else. It will be my turn to lead.

However, I refuse to let my fear of the future deter me from appreciating this experience. To quote from Children of Eden: “In whatever time we have, we will make the most of time…” That is exactly what I intend to do. So far, my time here as a part of MHS theatre has been truly remarkable, and I would not trade it for anything. Our cast is like a second family, and I love them dearly. I have total faith that our show will meet, nay, exceed the “tradition of excellence” that has been set by generations before us. And as for the seniors? We will do our best to carry on their legacy; though they may not physically be here performing with us next fall, they will forever be a part of the circle.

Katie Beedy (a junior and a third year veteran of MHS theater department’s fall musical)

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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be performed at the Moorhead High School auditorium November 9-11, 16-18, and 23-24. Show times for this hilarious musical comedy are 7:30 PM Fridays and Saturdays, with Sunday matinees at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $6 for students (ages 18 and under) and $10 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the MHS Activities Office or by calling (218) 284-2345.

Can you spell F-U-N? The  Moorhead High School Theater Department invites you to polish up those spelling skills and clear your throat in preparation for the Tony-Award winning musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

This comedy, conceived by Rebecca Feldman, with music and lyrics by William Finn,  book by Rachel Sheinkin, and additional material by Jay Reiss, is the unlikeliest of hit musicals about the unlikeliest of heroes – a quirky, yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time.

Moorhead High School’s musical theater department has been repeatedly awarded the
Spotlight Musical Theater Award for Production Excellence; and this production adds a creative twist. Each show will bring local and state celebrities to the stage to share
the spotlight with the student ensemble. These guest spellers add to the hilarity and assure that no two performances will be alike.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be performed at the Moorhead High School auditorium November 9-11, 16-18, and 23-24. Show times are 7:30 PM Fridays and Saturdays, with Sunday matinees at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $6 for students (ages 18 and under) and $10 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the MHS Activities Office or by calling (218) 284-2345.

Moorhead High School theater will hold auditions September 17-20 for roles in the musical theater program’s fall production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The Tony Award-winning, musical comedy centers around a dozen young people at the height of puberty. These social outcasts and genius tweens are unlikely heroes as they compete for honors in a regional spelling bee. A spelling bee is the one place they can both fit in and stand out at the same time. Guided by adults who hardly seem to have left childhood themselves, the spelling bee contestants learn that winning isn’t everything, and that losing doesn’t make you a loser.