For many years, the Calumet Players have entertained the Copper Country with performances in Calumet. This weekend, the troupe moves to a much larger stage at the Rozsa Center. The show, the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, promises to bring audiences up close to the performance with participation, comedy and song.
The musical comedy stands out for its audience engagement component. Each night, volunteers from the crowd participate in the show, creating improvised moments that distinguish this production from other performances the Calumet Players have brought to the community.
“We had decided to just give it a try and see how it goes, but we’ve been really excited and the staff here has been just awesome,” said Mike Aubin, director of the production.
Elam Maurer, who plays William Barfee and audiences may recognize from “Into the Woods,” joins a magical cast. He emphasized the spontaneity that comes with involving audience members. “It’s random people each night to my knowledge. I think Mike might pick out a couple people, but otherwise it’s folks who haven’t rehearsed with us. So it’s very interesting, but it’s a lot of fun,” Maurer said.
The cast includes performers familiar to Copper Country audiences after decades of involvement with the Calumet Players. Mike Meyer, who plays Vice Principal Douglas Panch, has performed with the group for close to 30 years. “I love it. I did a lot of improv when I was a high school teacher many years ago and it’s been fun to get back to doing the improv but you never really know what’s going to happen and that adds an element of excitement to the show that’s not part of most of the shows that I’ve done,” Meyer said.
The move to the Rozsa Center represents a significant shift for the ensemble—from a small rehearsal space in Calumet to one of the Upper Peninsula’s largest stages.
“It’s a different world here, lots of really fun technology, way more space. The theater in Calumet has a wonderful character and lots of tradition and history, so this is a new experience for me and we’re loving it,” Meyer said.
Maurer acknowledged the adjustment required for the larger venue. “So it’s been interesting adjusting to such a large stage, especially since the rehearsal building that we do is very much smaller. But it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve got to meet a lot of really cool people. That’s one of the best parts about theater is getting to meet such awesome folks,” Maurer said.
The troupe brings its 25th annual production of “Putnam County Spelling Bee” to Michigan Tech’s Rozsa Center with three shows: Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. The Calumet Players provide the Copper Country with performances throughout the year. Joining the cast introduces new members to a fun group of performers in the community.
Check out the Calumet Players Facebook page or website to learn more about the organization and details on future auditions, shows and ways to support the local theater troupe. For more information about the performances and ticket details, visit the Rozsa Center online.
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