The Fifth Wall Stage Company Spells Out a Promising Future with Debut Production

Connecticut’s community theater scene has a new addition with Fifth Wall Stage Company, founded by Tiernan Shea and Destiny Mae. The company made its inaugural bow with the beloved musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, staged at the charming Clinton Town Hall—a venue whose vintage character offers a sharp  contrast to the quirky chaos of this delightfully offbeat show.

Directed by co-founder Destiny Mae, who makes her directorial debut with this production, Spelling Bee is a clever and heartfelt musical (conceived by Rebecca Feldman, with music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin) that follows a group of eccentric middle-schoolers navigating the triumphs and traumas of a local spelling competition. Infused with campy humor, awkward teenage tension, and touching glimpses into each character’s inner world, the show delivers both laughs and heart.

I had the pleasure of attending the tech/dress rehearsal alongside my mentor, Karen Isaacs, founder of the Connecticut Critics Circle. What we witnessed was a warm, spirited, and dedicated group of performers working together to “get it right.”  This speaks to the promise of this young company.  They are clearly dedicated to the work and to one another.

Though modest in scope, the set design was thoughtfully executed—highlighted by spinning bleachers that added a dynamic element to the otherwise simple staging. The lighting, designed by Emily Sousa, was effective in creating mood and atmosphere, adapting well to the show’s rapid tonal shifts. The production also made excellent use of audience participation, enhancing the immersive, improvisational charm that defines Spelling Bee.

But the heart of this production lies in its ensemble cast, who fully embody the peculiar personalities and the tender backstories of their characters. Vocals throughout were strong and harmonies ambitious—challenges the cast rose to with evident dedication and skill. While occasional volume imbalances during some musical numbers obscured vocal nuance, this is a minor technical hurdle that future productions will likely refine. A greater emphasis on audio mixing and microphone balance could elevate the experience even further.

Among the standout performances, Alexis DiGiacomo (Rona Lisa Peretti) and Reagan Smith (Olive Ostrovsky) brought depth and vocal clarity to their roles. Both delivered performances with the kind of polish and vocal control that definitely make them rising stars to watch.  Charlie Forte, as the imposing yet soulful Mitch Mahoney, brought the house down with his rendition of “Prayer of the Comfort Counselor,” adding another memorable role to his growing list of Connecticut theater highlights, including his hilarious turn in The Producers at Connecticut Theatre Company earlier this year.

Also worthy of special mention is Julie Corrales, who embodied the precocious Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre with delightful comedic timing and a fully committed physical performance. Her energy and precise character work brought a spark of youthful irreverence to the stage.

At just $20 a ticket, this production is a steal—offering a night of laughter, music, and genuine heart. Fifth Wall Stage Company has made a confident, entertaining debut with Spelling Bee, and their passion for the art form is palpable. For a first outing, it’s a strong, memorable performance that sets the stage—literally—for great things to come.

Don’t miss your chance to catch the show: performances run for one weekend only, with evening shows at 7:00 PM on October 3rd and 4th, and matinees at 2:00 PM on October 4th and 5th. Tickets are available online at www.fifthwallstagecompany.com/services or at the doo