Cast Announced for Depot Theatre Academy’s SPELLING BEE

by | Jun 3, 2024 | News

The Depot Theatre Academy is pleased to announce the cast of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. This special production features experienced student artists from the Depot Theatre Academy outreach and education program. Performances will be on the Depot main stage on Friday, June 7 at 7pm, Saturday, June 8 at 7pm and Sunday, June 9 at 3pm. TICKETS are available online or by calling the box office at 518.962.4449.

Meet the Cast

Jocelyn Bessette (Logainne Swartzandgruibenere or Swartzy): Jocelyn is 15 and is currently in grade 9 at Peru Central School. Previous shows include ONE STOPLIGHT TOWN (police officer), BRIGHT STAR (clerk), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Babette), MEAN GIRLS (Cady), all with Peru Drama Club. Jocelyn loves singing, swimming, and of course performing as well as watching other shows. Jocelyn is not sure of her future plans but knows that she wants to perform for the rest of her life.

Aydan Christensen (William Morris Barfee/Leaf’s Dad): Aydan is 18 and is in 12th Grade at Au Sable Valley Central School. Previous shows include GUYS AND DOLLS (Nicely-Nicely), OKLAHOMA! (Andrew Carnes), and SUESSICAL JR (Mr. Mayor). Aydan’s interests include Geology, music composition, and production and drama. Aydan likes caramel and dislikes people who eat or breathe too loudly. Aydan’s future plans are to major in Environmental Geoscience at SUNY Plattsburgh and to audition for Artistry Community Theatre’s Fall Production of JEKYLL AND HYDE.
Lindsay Haner (Rona Lisa Peretti/Olive’s Mom): Lindsay is 17 and is currently in the 12th Grade at Au Sable Valley Central School. Previous shows include CHICAGO (Roxy), GREASE (Jan), and GUYS AND DOLLS (Sara Brown) with the Au Sable Valley Players, and ensemble roles with Artistry Community Theatre in DAMN YANKEES and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Other than performing, Lindsay’s interests include painting, crocheting, baking, and swimming. Her future plans are to major in Music Education at SUNY Fredonia!
Cooper Halloran (Vice Principal Douglas Panch): Cooper is 17 and a senior at Bouquet Valley Central School. Previous shows include PETER PAN, JR., LITTLE MERMAID JR., SEUSSICAL JR., MADAGASCAR JR., WILLIE WONKA JR., LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, THE BOYFRIEND, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, LITTLE WOMEN, TREASURE ISLAND, and DEPOT ACADEMY’S CABARET.  Cooper enjoys his dog Skipper, writing, being humble, and being the coolest person ever.  Cooper dislikes his dog Skipper, and learning his lines.  His future plans include something fun (hopefully).   
Ella Lobdell (Olive Ostrovsky): Ella is 17 and in the 12th Grade at Boquet Valley Central School. Previous shows include THE ADDAMS FAMILY (ancestor), MATILDA JR (Trunchbull), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Ronnette), and many more! Ella loves basketball, sports, music, hanging with friends, making clime, playing fortnite with Aja and Lawrence, and sleeping. Ella’s future plans are to attend Utica College in the fall where she will play on their basketball team and major in accounting.
Parker Scanio (Chip Tollentino/Jesus/Olive’s Dad): Parker is 16 and goes to Lake Placid High School. Previous shows include Flounder in LITTLE MERMAID, Mr. Green in CLUE, Pugsley in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Edward Markley and Dr. Von Sochocky in RADIUM GIRLS, and Trunchbull in MATILDA. Parker loves musical theater, food, tennis, and nordic skiing. His future plans are to major in Musical Theater in college.
Addie Stanley (Marcy Parks/Carla Mom): Addie is 17 and is in the 12th Grade at Au Sable Valley Central School. This is Addie’s 25th show! Favorite roles include GUYS AND DOLLS (Miss Adelaide), GREASE (Rizzo), CHICAGO (Velma), JUNGLE BOOK (Tabaqui), and the WIZARD OF OZ (Wicked Witch). Addie likes reading, hanging out with her cat, and sustaining her two year old Duolingo streak. Her future plans are to attend the University of Florida and major in Criminology.
Grace Stephens (Mel Mahoney/Dani Mom): Grace is 17 and is a Senior at Keene Central School. Previous shows include THE LITTLE MERMAID, SEUSSICAL, THE LION KING, MADAGASCAR, WILLY WONKA, SHE KILLS MONSTERS, Depot Academy: A Cabaret, EURYDICE, SPAMALOT, and THE NUTCRACKER. Grace loves dance, canoeing, and reading. She will be attending Delphi University in the fall to pursue a BFA in Dance.
Madeline Young (Leaf Coneybear): Madeline is 15 and is currently in the 9th Grade at AuSable Valley Central School. Previous shows include GUYS AND DOLLS and GREASE with the Ausable Valley Players. Madeline likes running, baking and reading. Her future plans: MORE THEATRE!!

CREW
Co-Directed by Gigi Mason and Amy Fitts
Music Director – Kimberly Weems
Choreographer – Gigi Mason
Assistant Choreographer – Grace Stephens
Costume Design/Props – Amy Fitts.
Costume Assistant – Sadie Burgess.
Lighting/Scenic Design – Bonnie Brewer.
Sound Technician/Design – Jack Schoonover.

ORCHESTRA
Kimberly Weems, Music Director – piano.
Aaron Jodoin, keyboard/synthesizer.
Stu Pray – percussion. Felix Haskins – cello.

TICKETS