The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Footlighters Theater

Footlighters Theater concludes its 90th season by presenting the improvisational musical comedy about coming of age and competition, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Opening April 26, 2019 for four (4) weekends, this is a hilarious tale of young overachievers, their hopes, their dreams and their angst as they compete for a slot in the National Spelling Bee. Overseen by three quirky grown-ups still stuck in adolescence themselves, they sing their stories, utilize unique spelling techniques and learn that losing doesnt necessarily make you a loser.First directed on Broadway in 2005 by James Lapine, the musical is the winner of two Tony awards, two Theatre World awards and three Drama Desk awards. The infectious musical follows six semi-pubescent middle-schoolers competing to be the best. Audience interaction and improvisation, along with original jokes created for each performance, allow for a unique and individual performance with every show. Through the course of the production, this charming and quirky group of outsiders discover they can stand out and fit in at the same time. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, long time spelling bee hostess, Rona Lisa Peretti, opens the show sharing her joy for spelling, then introduces this year's contenders. They include last year's winner, Chip (a boy scout), Schwarzy (the youngest and most politically aware contestant), Leaf Coneybear (the somewhat wide-eyed offspring of hippie parents), allergy-plagued Barfee, over-achiever Marcy and Olive, a tentative newcomer. Once Vice Principal Panch arrives to assign the words to the competitors, the rules are read and guest spellers are invited to join the cast on stage. Mitch Mahoney (who just happens to be working off his community service hours) is present as a juice box toting comfort counselor for the kids.