UAC Theatre to Stage SPELLING BEE at Phoenix

This winter, fun will be spelled U-A-C as Up and Coming Theatre Company brings "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" to Phoenix Bar & Nightclub. The company will present the hilarious and heartfelt musical comedy at 7 p.m. Feb. 10-18. Tickets are available for $15-$20 at uactheatre.org.

This is UAC's second annual winter production at Phoenix, 1932 E. Higgins Road in Elk Grove Village. The venue offers a unique space for the company to stage the musical, which follows several quirky kids - and a few quirky adults - during a fierce spelling competition. In addition to observing the action, some audience members will have the chance to test their own spelling skills as participants in the bee.

"Phoenix Bar & Nightclub provides an incredible venue that allows us to highlight the audience participation element of the show in a way that's never been done before," says director Jason Harrington, who recently won a BroadwayWorld Chicago Award for his work on UAC's "Heathers." "By taking full advantage of this unique space, we hope to create a truly immersive experience for our patrons. With audience sitting just inches away from the action - not to mention the LED dance floor turned stage - Phoenix allows us to put on a completely original, unforgettable version of 'Spelling Bee.'"

The production stars Chris Johnson as Chip Tolentino, Melanie Hughes as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, Matthew Torres as Leaf Coneybear, Mitch Schaeflein as William Barfee, Christina Melgar as Marcy Park, Gina Francesca as Olive Ostrovsky, Lauren Leigh Baker as Rona Lisa Peretti, John Fogarty as Vice Principal Douglas Panch and Alex Buda as Mitch Mahoney. The show's music direction is by Kelly Fitzgerald, with choreography by Linda Andrews. The pit director is Aaron Kaplan, and the stage manager is Erica Chin. The LED floor design is by James Faust.

"UAC is always fortunate to have incredible talent involved in our shows, and 'Spelling Bee' is no exception," says producer Lindsey Weiss. "We can't wait for audiences to join us at Phoenix to experience the 'Pandemonium' of the bee."

UAC, which recently won four BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards for its production of "Heathers," will continue its current season this summer with the classic musical "Sweet Charity." Visit uactheatre.org for more information on both productions.