Theatrikos presents Musical Comedy Spelling Bee Runs opening on March 31

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a riotous ride, a delightful den of comedic genius. A fast-paced interactive crowd pleaser with hilarious, touching, and catchy songs; with each speller revealing their hopes, struggles and passions.

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents, played by six adult singers, vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a beautiful, funny, emotional musical about living up to expectations and finding your own path, even at a young age. I hope the audience leaves the show knowing the only expectations you have to live up to are your own,” said co-director Dani Commanda.

“This is an amazing cast. Dynamic and energetic. Their enthusiasm is infectious and will fill the theatre. We’ll bring some audience members up on stage to participate, too,” said Theatrikos executive director Chris Verrill. “Our new sound system and orchestra loft were just installed and constructed just so we could do great musicals like this.”  The new sound system includes new speakers, monitors, cabling, board and amps. The new orchestra loft, microphoned to the system and complete with acoustic sound baffling, is built above the stage for the live musicians to play during the show.

Masks are no longer required at Theatrikos. But we do still recommend them. Concessions are open and we’re back to doing our opening night receptions.

Performances of 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee are at Theatrikos, March 31 to April 23, 2023

For actor Brooke Stoff, the craziest part of the show is “when it’s down to the last spellers and it speeds up the spelling and then it goes to slow motion. It’s hilarious to perform and also crazy.”

Flex Passes are available for Spelling Bee and other 2023 shows.