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University of Montana School of Theatre & Dance Presents SPELLING BEE, 4/23-5/8

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The University of Montana School of Theatre & Dance is pleased to offer The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a musical destined to become a classic. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs in the Montana Theatre of the Performing Arts and Radio/Television Center on campus April 23-24, April 27-May 1, and May 4-8 at 7:30 p.m. There is also a single 2:00 p.m. matinee on May 1.

This surprise winner of two 2005 Tony Awards is sure to be a crowd-pleaser as selected audience members participate in part of the titular spelling bee each performance, ensuring hilarious and unpredictable results. The charming musical tells the story of six quirky adolescents on a quest for acceptance while standing out in a crowd. A poignant and captivating evening of song, dance, and spelling awaits audiences in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee-a theatrical event called "effortlessly endearing" by The New York Times. The Philadelphia Inquirer said "the word for it is W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L."

This play closes the current season for the School of Theatre & Dance. Director Jere Hodgin has assembled a cast from all across campus-BFA and BA acting students, an MA theatre student, and both undergraduate and graduate music majors round out the ensemble. The design/production team is equally inclusive: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee features choreography by an instructor in the Dance Division (and owner/founder of the Downtown Dance Collective), musical direction by a Master of Music graduate, and designers in each of the three years of the MFA Design/Technology program. Don't miss the play called
"H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S" by the San Francisco Chronicle!

Call the Theatre & Dance Box Office at 406-243-4581, Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or order tickets online at www.umtheatredance.org.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Featured Performer in a Musical - Top 3
1. Ali Louis Bourzgui - The Lost Boys, A New Musical
18.5% of votes
2. Bryce Pinkham - Chess
9.1% of votes
3. Hannah Cruz - Chess
6.2% of votes

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