Feature: THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Overture Center

By: Sep. 12, 2017
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There's nothing better than a zany, laugh-out-loud theatre experience like THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. Thanks to Capital City Theatre (CCT), now in their third season, the show will be playing at the Overture Center the last two weekends of September.

If you're not familiar with THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, you're in for a treat as you'll be transported down memory lane to a spelling bee, albeit comically different than anything you've ever experienced. In the Putnam County version, adults play anxious ten and eleven year olds, which in itself is entertaining. And face it, we've all had our awkward moments as kids and THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE illustrates those characteristics in the most charming and hilarious ways. Often touted as pee-your-pants funny, this show has something for everyone.

Co-director and musical director, Andrew Abrams calls THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE a "geek paradise!" combining two fantastic geek elements­­-spelling bees and musicals. The show is filled with heart moments where misfits can succeed and be happy doing what they love. That fitting into the popular crowd doesn't need to be the most important part of being a kid.

Abrams, who is artistic director for CCT, has been waiting for the right moment to do THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. He has a number of ties to the original Broadway show, which took home two Tony Awards and three Drama Desk Awards. Abrams was voice teacher for Dan Fogler who played Barfee and went on to win the Tony for the role. He also was once the musical director on a show with cast member Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and cast member Lisa Howard recorded some of Abram's songs.

Abrams comments that one of his favorite things about Spelling Bee is the unknown-when audience members are brought up to spell. The cast never knows how these people will react, allowing them to go off script and adlib, creating priceless moments.

CCT continues their tradition of casting professional actors from New York and Chicago along side Madison area actors. Audiences can look forward to seeing local actors Stacy DeGolier, Patrick Fernan and Lisa Spierer. Returning to CCT is Jake Morrissy, who appeared in VIOLET. Rounding out the cast is Edwin Bates, Hilary Fingerman, Meagan Lee Hodson, Steven Mooney, and Tom Vendafreddo. Abrams says the cast is perfect for their roles.

When you purchase a ticket to THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE you get 30% off of The Hunchback of Notre Dame tickets. There will also be two school performances of Spelling Bee. Schools may contact CCT for more information

Co-directing the show alongside Abrams is CCT's Director of Education, Gail Becker, who also serves as the shows choreographer. Capital City Theatre is also proud to announce it has been designated a SPT (Small Professional Theatre) by the League of Regional Theatres. Next up for Capital City Theatre is Gutenberg! The Musical! Followed up by The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE will run at Overture Center for the Arts Friday, September 22nd through Sunday, October 1st, 2017. Tickets can be purchased at overturecenter.org, in person at the ticket office, or by phone at 608.258.4141.

Capital City Theatre is Madison, Wisconsin's professional, Equity, musical theatre company. The mission of Capital City Theatre is to produce professional and engaging live musical theatre performances and educate aspiring and working musical theatre artists through workshops, intensives and seminars. We strive to inspire audiences by connecting them with talented performers from both the Madison area and across the country, creating an experience that keeps audiences entertained, excited and coming back again and again.



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