The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Hermosa Beach Playhouse

MANHATTAN BEACH, May 2, 2018 — When you ask anyone who has competed in a spelling bee what word they “lost” on or if lucky “won” with they probably can answer it. It is a right of passage for many and Puttin’ on Productions brings the nostalgia we all feel as we relive the challenges and triumphs of mid-pubescent teens navigating not just through the spelling bee but life. 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 mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

Puttin’ on Productions (POPS), now in its 10th year, produces a professional musical theater experience featuring local young actors and students. This year POPs proudly presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with three casts of young and extraordinary actors from around the South Bay. Honored with two Tony Awards and a Drama Desk Award, the show takes place inside the final round of the Putnam Bee where six contestants are fighting for the chance to compete in the National Spelling Bee competition in Washington. These wild characters are guided through the Bee by equally wild adults in a hilarious coming of age comedy full of love, laughter, and heart.

POPs will be calling on volunteer audience members to participate in the Spelling Bee and a few community members are also making special appearances including: Mark Lipps, President of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Karen Moore, Beryl Heights Elementary Principal, and Ed Myska, Senior Vice President of Grand Point Bank to name a few. Get your dictionary out and brush up on your spelling skills- you may be next!

“Can you spell i-r-r-e-s-i-s-t-i-b-l-e? I know audiences will embrace the performances and characters that will warm your heart.” says Julia Hayes Mirkovich, Co-Founder of POPS and Co-Owner of The Academy of Dramatic Arts (TADA!). Performances will be held May 11 through 13 and 18-20th at the Hermosa Beach Playhouse located at 710 Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach. For tickets, go to www.goldstar.com or call 310-546-5544.