The cast, largely drawn from the Broadway Company, a club formed at Arrowhead High School by Catherine Pfeiler who also directed this production, is a very talented, experienced group of players. You can sense their professionalism and dynamic energy throughout.

Six main contestants plus two minor ones and four drawn from the audience comprise the competitors. Three other characters - the organizer (who once won third prize), the official word reader and the comfort counselor - fill out the cast. The characters are quite well-developed, which makes us care about what happens to them. Some actors take on several roles.

The bee begins with its choice of ridiculously obscure words in most cases. The definitions and sentences given for each word provide some of the humor. It is a very clever script. The musical score also delivers much of the delight, especially when performed by such talented vocalists. Allie Wojciechowski, Shannon Straka and Ben Tajnai are especially impressive in their rendition of "The I Love You Song."

Jon Taynai and Max Kerciewicz have created memorable characters as Leaf Coneybear and William Barfee. After their first appearance, we had a readiness to laugh each time they took center stage. Straka is very consistent and moving in her portrayal of the poor neglected Olive Ostrovsky. Bear Bauer is also unforgettable as the vice principal word reader. He has a certain tense manner about him that heightens the anxiety of the contestants.

The ensemble numbers are strong and melodious, well-choreographed by Ana Baker and accompanied by keyboardist Michael Uselmann and synthesizer Leslie Salick.

What especially intrigued me is that this comic musical has some "meat" to boot. It conveys the nature of competition, the art of losing and winning, the parental pressure put upon bright children and the luck variable that often accompanies victories.

Lake Country Players Theater consistently provides good entertainment, but the present production goes beyond that. It is excellent.