Review: Adelaide Things at The Little Theatre
January 26, 2026
Review: The Normal Heart at Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
February 13, 2026
There’s something quietly thrilling about watching a company find its feet, and then realise it can run. With The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Funk Soul Productions confirm that their early works were no fluke. Following the buzzy success of The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals, it’s clear this team is building something special: smart, joyful, actor-driven theatre with heart to spare.
Gracie Greenrod’s direction leans into the musical’s greatest strength and its ability to be riotously funny one moment and unexpectedly tender the next. The tone is deftly handled, allowing the show’s improv-friendly chaos to bubble while still grounding each character in emotional truth. Under Immi Beattie’s musical direction, the score is crisp, playful and beautifully balanced, with lyrics landing cleanly and harmonies glowing. Allycia Angeles’ choreography is light on its feet and character-specific, enhancing the storytelling rather than overpowering it; exactly as this show demands.
As Rona Lisa Peretti (and Olive’s mum), Ruby Pinkerton brings warmth and polish, delivering “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and “My Favourite Moment of the Bee” with an easy authority that anchors the room. There’s a generosity to her performance that keeps the show feeling safe in her hands, even as the competition spirals delightfully out of control.
Rounding out the adults, Flynn Turley is a delightfully dry Douglas Panch, his “Pandemonium” moment played for maximum awkward humour, while Parisya Mosel brings an easy charm and warmth to Mitch Mahoney, with “Prayer of the Comfort Counselor” providing a gentle, soulful pause amid the chaos.
Corey Major is an absolute joy as Chip Tolentino, attacking “My Unfortunate Erection” with fearless commitment, impeccable timing, and just the right amount of teenage bravado. It’s a performance that understands the joke but never winks at it too hard, which makes it all the funnier.
As Logainne Schwarztandgrubenierre, Neve Sargeant gives us a tightly wound overachiever whose “Woe Is Me” is both hilariously intense and faintly heartbreaking. The layers of parental pressure and identity anxiety sit beautifully beneath the surface, making Logainne’s journey feel sharply observed rather than cartoonish.
Matthew Boyd is endearing chaos as Leaf Coneybear, his “I’m Not That Smart” landing as one of the evening’s most quietly devastating numbers. Boyd finds the sweetness in Leaf’s optimism without sanding off the character’s awkward edges; a lovely, grounded performance.
Yasmin Fitzgerald brings laser-sharp focus to Marcy Park, her “I Speak Six Languages” brimming with control, intensity and just enough menace to keep things deliciously uncomfortable. Fitzgerald nails Marcy’s perfectionism, allowing cracks to show at exactly the right moments.
As Olive Ostrovsky, Amelia Boys offers a genuinely moving performance. “My Friend, the Dictionary” is handled with tenderness and restraint, and “The I Love You Song” lands as the emotional heart of the show, raw, vulnerable and beautifully sung. It’s a performance that lingers long after the final bell.
The undeniable standout of the night is Jaxon Joy as William Barfée. From the moment he slouches into the gymnasium, Joy commands attention, delivering “Magic Foot” with blistering precision, comic confidence and an underlying vulnerability that sneaks up on you. It’s a star turn. Bold, specific, and utterly magnetic.
What’s most impressive about this production is how cohesive it feels. Every performer understands the world of the show, every creative choice feels intentional, and the ensemble works together with a sense of trust that’s rare to see, particularly from a company this young.
With The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Funk Soul Productions prove they’re not just a flash of early promise. They’re a company with taste, heart and a clear artistic voice.
Adelaide should be paying very close attention to what comes next.
4.5 Crepuscule Constellations!
Lia Loves.
