Here Comes THE SPELLING BEE

NiCori Studios and Productions is proud to present the NiCori Teen Performance Ensemble in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on Friday, January 26 at 6:30pm, Saturday, January 27 at 2pm and 5pm and Sunday, January 28 at 2pm in the theater at the United Way of Montclair, 60 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair.

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. It was conceived by Rebecca Feldman and originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine. The Barrington Stage Company developed, workshopped and premiered the hit musical.

An eclectic group of 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 production is directed by multiple Excellence in Theater Education Tony Award nominee, Corinna Sowers Adler with Musical Direction by Mark Saylor. The cast features Damon Santiago as Chip Tolentino, Zoe Gelman/Elizabeth Nucci as Loraine Schwartzandgrunenierre, Megan Moynahan/Luke Surretsky as Leaf Coneybear, Alex DiFilippo as William Barfee, Caroline Leonard/Emily Ostrowski as Marcy Park, Shannon Bretz/Olivia Grzywinski as Olive Ostrovsky, Katherine Stelma as Rona Lisa Peretti, Katherine Heyman as Denise Panch, Grace Carlin as Meg Mahoney. The ensemble features teens from all over Northern New Jersey along with five cast Dads - Lee Grywinski, Thomas Moynahan, Jeffrey Surretsky, Scott Bretz, Marc Nucci, Jorge Madrazo and one Uncle - David Leon (two at each performance) in the roles of Carl and Dan Schwartzandgrunenierre.
Tickets are limited and available online at nicoristudios.com. Tickets are $12 for student / senior and $15 for adult in advance and will be $15 for student / senior citizens and $20 for adults at the door (cash only). Visit nicoristudios.com for more information.