Redhouse Arts Center's THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Opens Tonight

School season is upon us, and the Redhouse Arts Center is joining in on the school spirit fun with its first mainstage musical of the season, Tony Award winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee opening tonight, Sept. 12. Conceived by Rebecca Feldman, with music and lyrics by William Finn, book by Rachel Sheinkin and additional material by Jay Reiss, Spelling Bee tells the delightful story of six quirky adolescents as they compete in the Putnam Valley Middle School Bee and learn that winning isn't everything!

Each show provides the opportunity for guest spellers from the audience to compete with the actors on stage. Special guest spellers for the run of the performance include Sistina Giordano, co-host of WSYR Channel 9's Bridge Street, Chris Baker, reporter for syracuse.com, Jim MacKillop of The Syracuse New Times, Redhouse board presidents, and local and community actors. Additional spellers will be chosen during each show.

Unique to this run is the addition of "Dirty Bees", featured on the Wednesday evening performances, where the improvisation during the guest speller appearances will be "Rated R".

Tickets range from $15-$30. Spelling Bee runs for three weeks, Wednesdays-Saturdays, previewing on Sept. 11 and opening on Sept. 12. Tickets can be purchased online at www.theredhouse.org or by calling 315-362-2785. Redhouse Arts Center is located at 201 S. West Street, Syracuse, NY 13202. Ticket prices: Wed/Thurs $25/$15; Fri/Sat. $30/$20. Rated PG13. *Wednesday night's DIRTY BEE! Where the improv is Rated R.

About Red House Arts Center: Red House Arts Center is a nonprofit, multi-arts organization dedicated to the production and presentation of interdisciplinary works, new theatre, music, visual art, and is a regional provider of community based arts education. Red House supports the creative process by providing a unique platform for regional, national and international artistic expressions. Through our public programs and community engagement initiatives, Red House aims to stimulate cultural activities and contribute to community development throughout Central New York. For more information visit www.theredhouse.org.