Shenandoah Conservatory opens its production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” this week, following an intensive rehearsal process led by Broadway veterans Colin Hanlon as guest director and Garrett Taylor as guest music director. Performances run Wednesday, Nov. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 23, in Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre on Shenandoah University’s main campus.

“I’m incredibly impressed by the collaborative nature that these Shenandoah Conservatory musical theatre students give to each other,” said Hanlon. “Being asked back to direct a full production at Shenandoah with a show I love and a group of talented students so focused and hardworking, has been a blessing to me.”

Hanlon, an actor and director best known for his work on Broadway and television, brings a wealth of professional experience to the conservatory stage. His Broadway credits include “Rent” and “In Transit,” while Off-Broadway he has starred in the hit musical “I Love You Because” and the acclaimed revival of “Falsettos.” Television audiences know him from appearances on “Modern Family,” “Difficult People” and “The Sinner.” As a director, Hanlon has been recognized for his ability to guide both seasoned professionals and emerging artists with equal artistry.

Joining him is guest music director Garrett Taylor, a seasoned conductor, pianist and vocal coach who currently serves as head music director for the Musical Theater Intensive at Stella Adler in New York City and has worked extensively on Broadway and in national tours and regional theatres across the country. Taylor’s credits include conducting and music direction for Broadway productions such as “Wicked” and “Annie;” national tours of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas LIVE;” as well as “Next to Normal” at The Kennedy Center, in addition to regional theatres, workshops of new musicals, and collaborations with Broadway performers. His expertise in vocal performance and ensemble cohesion will help bring William Finn’s beloved score to life with both heart and humor.

“‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ is a quirky little show filled with tuneful, poignant and humorous songs covering varied musical styles,” said Taylor. “It does an incredible job of speaking to the anxiety of childhood through comedy and music. I’m thrilled to be guest music directing this show with the incredibly talented students at Shenandoah Conservatory.”

A Tony Award-winning musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” follows an eclectic group of middle schoolers as they vie for the title of spelling champion in a competition that is as heartfelt as it is hilarious. With its mix of quirky characters, spontaneous audience participation and witty songs, the show has become a modern favorite for theatres nationwide.

Charles B. Levitin Chair in Musical Theatre, Director of Musical Theatre, Coordinator for Musical Theatre Recruitment and Associate Professor of Theatre Kevin Covert, B.F.A., choreographed the production. Covert is also a seasoned Broadway professional. 

“The musical theatre department at Shenandoah is so grateful to have Broadway veterans Colin Hanlon (director) and Garrett Taylor (music director) here on campus to work on ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,’” said Covert. “There is no better training for our musical theatre students and Broadway hopefuls than to learn from experts currently working in the field. Colin and Garrett bring so much care and humor to this delightful show. I still find myself laughing out loud at the jokes every time I see it. I am excited to have had the opportunity to work with them both, and hope that we will see more of them in the future at Shenandoah Conservatory.”

Performances of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, Thursday, Nov. 20, Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22, as well as 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 23. Tickets are available for purchase online 24/7 at conservatoryperforms.org. Tickets are available in person at the Shenandoah Conservatory Box Office located in the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre lobby and over the phone at (540) 665-4569 during regular box office hours (Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.).

About Colin Hanlon

Colin Hanlon is a versatile actor, writer, director and producer based in New York City. He most recently directed “Kowalski” by Gregg Ostrin off-Broadway at the Duke on 42nd Street, “Sylvia” at Sharon Playhouse, “Buyer & Cellar” at Theatre Workshop of Nantucket, and “What Would Meryl Do” at In the Woods Festival, as well as “I Love You Because: A Queer Retelling.” Additional directing credits include “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and co-directing “It’s Only a Play” at George Street Playhouse.

Hanlon is the co-producer and star of the acclaimed web series “Submissions Only.” His television work also includes roles on “Uncoupled,” “Modern Family,” “Difficult People,” “The Sinner” and “The Good Fight.”

On Broadway, he has been featured in “Falsettos,” “Rent” and “In Transit,” as well as the first national tour of “Wicked.” Off-Broadway highlights include the New York City premiere of “Dot” by Colman Domingo (Vineyard Theatre, directed by Susan Stroman), A.R. Gurney’s final play “Final Follies” (Cherry Lane Theatre, directed by David Saint), and the original cast of “I Love You Because.”

As an educator, Hanlon is an adjunct professor at New York University’s (NYU) New Studio, Long Island University, Stella Adler and CAP21. He also teaches auditioning and self-tape technique through his private studio. Follow him on Instagram: @ColinHanlon.

About Garrett Taylor

Having worked at numerous Broadway shows, national tours, regional theaters, summer stocks, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center (“Next to Normal”), Garrett Taylor has made a name for himself as a multifaceted performer, pianist, conductor, teacher and orchestrator. This past holiday season saw the fourth year of the “A Charlie Brown Christmas LIVE” national tour for which he is proud to be primary orchestrator, arranger and supervisor. Taylor has been a frequent guest in the orchestra pit of “Wicked” on Broadway for more than 17 years. He has worked with talented students at New York University (NYU), Manhattan School of Music, Marymount, Queens College, American Musical and Dramatic Academy and Stella Adler. Taylor also operates a busy voice studio with many Broadway performers and promising singers when residing in New York City.

Broadway credits include “Wicked” and “Annie,” and national tour credits include Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” “Grease” (second national tour), “A Charlie Brown Christmas LIVE” and “Sweet Charity.” Regional credits include the Kennedy Center (“Next to Normal”), The Cape Playhouse (resident music director from 2017 to 2022), Paper Mill Playhouse, Milwaukee Repertory, Trinity Rep, The Fulton Theater, Westport Country Playhouse, Casa Mañana, The Gateway, The John W. Engeman Theater, Black Rock Theater, FlatRock Playhouse and Revival Theatre Company. Academia credits include Stella Adler, American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Marymount, Manhattan School of Music, New York University (NYU) and Queen’s College. Taylor can also be heard and seen on numerous recordings and TV specials. Follow him on Instagram @the_garrett_taylor_show to learn more.