Photo Flash: First Look at College of the Mainland's THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, Beg. Tonight

Uncommon words become uncommonly funny in College of the Mainland's production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." In the fast-paced musical comedy, six students - and four audience volunteers - vie to become the winner of the competition of a lifetime. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action at College of the Mainland!

Words, puns and one-liners fly in the summer musical filled with quirky characters including six ambitious competitors - a multilingual overachiever, lisping activist, young dictionary-lover, distractible free spirit, stop-at-nothing challenger and defending champion. Add in a host nostalgic about her glory-days win, an eccentric vice principal and a counselor doing community service by dispensing hugs and juice boxes backstage, and the comedy promises to be a winner.

"It's a real crowd-pleaser," said director Mark Adams. "One of the things that keeps it fresh are the four volunteers from the audience each night."

Conceived by Rebecca Feldman with music and lyrics by William Finn, the play shines with snappy script and bright, catchy songs.

Come along for the ride, a hit any way you spell it.

The play runs from tonight, July 18 to Aug. 11 (no performance July 19), Thursday to Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.For more information or tickets visit www.com.edu/theatre or call 409-933-8345 or 1-888-258-8859, ext. 8345.

College of the Mainland offers a variety of nationally accredited associate degrees and certifications that prepare students for success in transferring to a university or entering the workforce, including programs in process technology, business and health care. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, COM has an excellent professor-to-student ratio that allows instructors to connect with each class. We're the launching pad for success stories throughout the Mainland.

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