This reminds me of Bill’s BP on 2d Loop. I miss full service gas stations… And charging gas to my parents.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

This morning on the way to school I was calling out spelling words to my son. As he concentrated on getting every word correct, I flashed back to opening night at Putnam County Spelling Bee. My day was instantly made better– it is that kind of show. It sticks with you for days– the characters, the songs, the feeling of laughing for over a solid hour.

I confess that I didn’t understand the premise of “Spelling Bee” before I saw it. Adults playing children at a spelling bee? Huh?

While this show IS adults playing children at a countywide spelling bee, it is so much more than that. It is every childhood feeling and emotion captured in a hysterical and poignant two hour spelling romp. Shaw Thompson, Arlene Boyd, Jonathan Lewis, Kristin Hardaway, Frankie Sullivan, Nikki Frabot all play students that have been selected to represent their school at the countywide spelling bee. Rebecca Thompson is in charge of the spelling bee, and Lloyd Willcox is her able assistant. Leon Rogers rounds out the cast as the “comfort counselor” there to comfort the losers. The vocals in this musical are top notch, the cast is truly some of the elite Florence Little Theatre veterans.

Each character represents a kid that you either knew or that you felt like at one point in your childhood. While the play is hysterically funny, it is also deeply meaningful as you reflect and remember how hard it can be to be a kid. Jonathan Lewis as Leaf Coneybear absolutely stands out in his performance. While he made me fall out of my seat in laughter, I could also feel the pain of the kid who feels like he’s “not that smart.” When he is eliminated, I was truly sad that he wouldn’t be the champion speller.

Kristin Hardaway as Olive Ostrovsky, also has a stand out performance. I literally ached for this little girl who had no parents to watch her as she shined at the spelling bee. Everything about her– from her hair to her knocking knees– makes you believe that she is a wistful child who really just wants to be loved. My favorite line of the show is delivered by Hardaway: “if you took the W in answer, the H in ghost, the extra A in aardvark, and the T in listen you could keep saying “WHAT?” but no one would hear you because the whole word would be silent.” My heart broke as she and her mother (played by Rebecca Thompson) and her father (played by Leon Rogers) sang “The I Love You Song.” It was absolutely heart wrenching and beautiful.

Spelling Bee may be a show about children, but it is not a show for children. Frankie Sullivan as Chip Tolentino masterfully handles what I can only imagine is a… um… hmmm… difficult? situation as he sings what I will call “Chip’s song.” Sullivan, decked out in his boy scout uniform, loses early as a pretty girl distracts him from the task at hand. His song will bring tears from laughter as he works the stage. (Make sure you take some $1.00 bills as well… just trust me on this one.)

Marcy Park, played by Arlene Boyd, helps us to remember that sometimes losing is better. The joy on her face as she realizes this important life lesson helps us to remember that children should only be pushed so hard. They are, after all, only children. Logainee Schwartzandgrubenierre and her two gay dads (played by Leon Rogers and Jonathan Lewis) are over the top and hysterical as they push her closer and closer to the brink… of winning?

William Barfee (prounounced Barf-AY, not Barfy mind you) is brought to life by Shaw Thompson. Barf-ay is every obnoxious and yet insecure kid you ever knew in school. He overcompensates for his nerdiness by showing he is the smartest. Even as he is pulling his shirt out of his zipper or wiping his nose with his snotty rag, you know that all he really wants is a friend.

Rona Lisa Peretti (Rebecca Thompson) and Vice Principal Douglas Panch (Lloyd WIllcox) keep the show rolling along with their witty and saucy repartee.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the audience participation. Four lucky volunteers from the audience were selected to be spellers in the spelling bee. On opening night the spellers were a lovely mom to be whose name I didn’t catch, Brian Newman, Margaret Saverance, and Richard Walker. All four were great sports and should probably consider auditioning for the next show (shout out to the mom to be– you looked amazing and are way braver than I am!) Y’all should know that Richard Walker almost stole the spotlight! It was clear it was time for him to miss his spelling word and he was given a difficult word to spell. When he got the word correct (Bravo!), Lloyd Willcox showed his talent in improvisation as he did his best to get Mr. Walker off the stage. The audience truly enjoyed this added scene.

The band is on stage the entire performance and does a beautiful job. It is so fortunate that we are able to have live music in our shows. Many theaters have to use a recorded track, we all need to thank these volunteers that make this possible for Florence. Tip of my blue hat to: Debbie Floyd, Robin Thompson, Adam Brown, Joe DeVito, Kristen Slaughenhoupt, Jaja Liao, and Marci Behling.

If you have not seen this show, you need to purchase tickets ASAP. I can guarantee it is one that the word of mouth is going to lead to lots of last minute ticket sales. Actually, I am probably going to see it again so I will race you to the telephone! Box office: 843-662-3731

Additional Links:
Florence Little Theatre show page with information
SCNow Article by Traci Bridges with pictures

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

I’m a big fan of hiring people to help me accomplish those things on my to-do list that are beyond our capabilities. unfortunately, my pocketbook doesn’t always agree. Fortunately, Lee Burris offers a great service at an excellent price. You get his services for 4 hours for $200.00. He will literally do anything from install a toilet to take down your Christmas lights. (If yours are still up, this is a great plan.)

I have actually used Lee and have been very pleased. He is punctual, courteous, reliable and easy to talk to.

If you call him, please give me a shout out!

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

A special thanks to my January sponsors!

As always, please give all of your financial love to Palmetto First Federal Credit Union!

The ever fabulous FMU Performing Arts Center! If you haven’t read about them, you really should check out their website and see all of the upcoming events. There is a lot to choose from– in all price ranges.

Also, if you are looking for rental space downtown, check out 150 North Dargan. They have a facebook page with a lot of details as well.

As you know, this site would not be possible without the sponsors so show them some love!

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

I really think these look more like giant speakers than appliances…

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

I am told that this show WILL be hysterically funny and that I will be laughing uncontrollably. We will be there opening night on Row… oh wait. I can’t give THAT away. I’m hoping to make it to Victor’s for a late dinner after the play.

Spelling Bee
January 20-28, 2012

Six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious tale of overachievers’ angst chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime.

The show’s Tony Award winning creative team has created the unlikeliest of hit musicals about the unlikeliest of heroes: a quirky yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time.

Tickets go on sale as follows:
Underwriters, Benefactors, Patrons & Sponsors – January 16
Season Subscribers – January 17
General Public – January 18

Be advised that some of the subject matter is not appropriate for children under 13.

Value TV did a great commercial of the show that you can watch here.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

Don’t forget to check the calendar for the Francis Marion Performing Arts Center this month! They are a sponsor of the Flossip, and I am so proud to have such a fine facility in Florence.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

I thought that headline might get your attention.  This information is contained on SCNow, and I am hearing good things about this job fair.  Lets give this company a great showing!  A little tip for when you go to a job fair for a company like this:  Learn EVERYTHING you can about the company.  Understand what they do and how they do it.  You should spend at least an hour or more on their website.  Here is their website for those of you that are interested.

A Massachusetts-based company that provides customer service for automotive manufacturers’ roadside assistance programs and similiar products, is considering locating an inbound contact center in Florence that could bring 500 or more jobs to the area, and will hold a job fair on Jan. 9-10 at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing Technology at Florence-Darlington Technical College to guage the strength of the local labor market.

The job fair is part of the site selection process for Agero of Medford, Mass. Florence is a finalist for Agero’s new call center and company officials want to a better read on the potential depth of the local workforce. At the job fair, applicants will receive information about the company and have a chance to talk to company representatives about Agero and the jobs that will be available at the proposed Florence call center…

Go to the SCNow article to read more about the job fair.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

Friday (January 6^th) is the last day of regular registration for Spring Soccer. Late registration will be January 9^th & 10^th and will cost $40!!!

If you have already registered, Thank You!

Florence Soccer Association

Spring Soccer Registration

• ·         Ages: 4-18 as of July 31, 2011
• ·         Registration at Florence County Parks & Recreation offices will be December 12 – January 6.
• ·         Late registration will be held on January 9 and 10.
• ·         You can also register at: https://recreation.florenceco.org:40443/registration/login.aspx
• ·         Office hours are: Monday – Friday 8:30 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
• ·         Cost is $30 for regular registration; $40 for late registration.
• ·         All out-of-County participants must add $20 to the registration fee.
• ·         Draft (Coaches only) will take place on January 21.
• ·         First game will be held on February 11.
• ·         Last game will be held on March 17.
• ·         For additional information, please contact our office at(843) 667-0920.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

The 2012 Annual Polar Bear 5k will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Camp Secton on January 28. This is a great 5k, a lot of fun, and a chili lunch after! The proceeds go to Choices School. More information and a registration form here.

Are you looking for a sport for your kid? The Florence Track Team starts registration on February 1st!
Signup for Spring Track and Field will take place at the City of Florence Parks and Beautification Division, located at 513 Barnes Street, Florence, SC 29501. Hours of operation are 8:30am – 5:30pm, Monday-Friday.

Athletes should come equipped with sweats, water, and a great attitude!

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.