Photo Flash: Maplewood Playhouse's THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Opens Friday

Maplewood Playhouse closes out their first season with the upbeat and funny musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee opening April 20th at the Kelsey Theater. Featuring a cast of award winning local talent and veteran actors who have appeared in productions all across South Florida, this is a show not to be missed.

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. 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 spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box. A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius.

The musical comedy follows six middle school spellers and the quirky grown-ups overseeing the competition. Along the way, shy Olive Ostrovsky (Alexandra Lohman), overachiever Marcy Park (Jade Master), young Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (Played by Carbonell winner Mallory Newbrough) (with the lisp and gay dads), homeschooled Leaf Coneybear (Sean Gogan), William Barfée (Brian Heredia) (with the unique spelling technique) and last year's Boy Scout winner, Chip Tolentino (Steddy Amory), learn surprising lessons about failure, success, competition, and friendship.

Rounding out the cast, as the adults are Heidi Salonia as Rona Lisa Perretti, Mike Cartwright as Vice Principal Douglas Panch and Michael Wallace as Mitch Mahoney. Kim Rommel-Enright will direct Maplewood Playhouse's production, which is choreographed by Helen Buttery and music direction by Kevin Ray Allain.

All performances will take place at the Kelsey Theater, located at 700 Park Avenue, Lake Park, Florida, 33403.

Tickets are available for purchase on line at: www.thekelseytheater.com or 561-328-7481