Street Theatre Presents THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE 4/16-5/2

Get your dictionaries out and get on board with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. A story about the angst of six quirky middle school students (played by adults) vying to win a spelling championship, this smash-hit, Tony award winning musical is sure to knock your socks off.

Street Theatre Company will bring The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee to the stage in Nashville from April 16th to May 2nd and it promises to be an e-x-t-r-a-ordinary time. A hilarious tale about the adolescent traumas we all must undergo, this musical comedy is sure to draw you in to all the drama you thought you left back in middle school.

The judges for the Bee include an energetic real-estate agent who is a former spelling bee champion herself, and a jaded Vice Principal. Judging the contest with color commentary about the finalists and use-it-in-a-sentence examples provided for words like "crepuscule", these characters provide gut-busting improvisational entertainment.

The six spellers are misfits with delightful quirks we learn about through songs like "I'm Not That Smart" and "I Speak Six Languages". They include a shy young newcomer who befriended the dictionary on the toilet, an overachiever who is tired of always winning, a boy scout defending the title he won last year with new hormonal urges, a daffy second-runner up who has never been in a gymnasium before, a political and socially aware contestant with a lisp, and a finalist from last year who has nasal congestion and a "magic foot" that helps him spell.

In addition to the six finalists, audience members also get an opportunity to join in on the fun and spontaneity on stage. Four attendees are chosen that night and chance the fate of being escorted off the stage by the comfort counselor (a parolee serving his community service) who has a juice box for those who lose, even though they have won by making it this far.

At just $15 and $13, the ticket prices are quite the deal. Also, being the third wheel is a G-R-E-A-T thing. For every two tickets purchased, the third ticket is only $3! Visit the website for more details.

Performances will be held at 1120 Elm Hill Pike, just off the Fessler's Lane exit of I-24. Tickets are available at www.streettheatrecompany.org or by calling 615-554-7414.

ABOUT STREET THEATRE COMPANY

Street Theatre Company is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to fostering professional, affordable and accessible theatre, music and arts education in Nashville. Founded in 2004, the organization produces high quality performances and educational workshops, and provides artistic opportunities for young people. For more information, visit www.streettheatrecompany.org.

Photo by Hatcher and Fell Photography

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