Cast (from left): Lauren Landman, Mitchell J. Hardy, Erin Johnson, Jason Bowen, Alec Diem and Maryanna Lauter.
ARTS&LIFE THEATER
Casting NICELY THEATRE GROUP
a Spell Putnam County actress has rich theatrical heritage. SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
L
auren Landman grew up in Michigan surrounded by a three-generation family of theater fans and community theater performers. In Chicago, an aunt and uncle (Naomi Landman and Neil Tobin) could be seen on professional stages. What Landman enjoyed most at age 6 seemed to fit in with her heritage and surroundings without ever changing. A role as an orphan in a Lauren community theater production Landman of Annie cemented her interest. Twenty-one years later, while pursuing a theater career in New York, she has returned to Michigan as part of the ensemble cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which is being presented July 28-31 by the Nicely Theatre Group enhanced by a live band. Although planned as an outdoor show on the grounds of the Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield,
the production can be readily switched inside if the weather dictates. “I’ve never performed in a show outdoors before, but I’ve seen shows outdoors,” said Landman, who portrays one of six adolescents competing to surpass opponents as each presents special challenges amid the tension of the bee. “Mitch Master, our director, and David Carroll, our producer, have some exciting ideas about how to incorporate doing the show outdoors, and we have exciting visions before and after the show to really help welcome audiences into the environment. We’re going to be miked and have food trucks, weather permitting.” Landman takes on the role of Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, the daughter of two gay men pushing her to excel as written in the script by Rachel Sheinkin and the score by William Finn. “All of the children’s roles are written to be larger than life,” Landman said. “Although
DETAILS
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is being performed at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, July 28-31, on the grounds of the Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield. $25. Grounds open at 7:30 p.m. for refreshments and music. Bring your own chairs and blankets. nicelytheatregroup.org. they are caricatures, we’ve been focusing on making these kids’ stories authentic and relatable. “My character is a bit insecure, so she overcompensates for it by showing a lot of confidence even though it isn’t always genuine. Schwartzy, as she is nicknamed, makes connections during the bee and learns how to stand up to the pressure that her fathers are always placing on her. “My main song is ‘Woe Is Me,’ which laments all the pressure. It’s very fast and continued on page 34 JULY 29 • 2021
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