Sonoma Arts Live to Stage Teens 'N Training Musical, THE 25TH PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Sonoma Arts Live presents its 2016 Winter Series Teens 'N Training Musical, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, directed by Sonoma Arts Live Education Director and owner of The Theater School, Libby Oberlin.

Sponsored in part by a grant from the Rotary of Sonoma Valley, the show centers on a fictional spelling bee set in the geographically ambiguous Putnam Valley Middle School. Six quirky adolescents compete in the Bee, run by three equally quirky grown-ups, although teens and tweens comprise all roles in this Tony nominated musical.

"T 'N T" is one of the best things Rotary supports in Sonoma Valley" states past Rotary President Bill O'Neal, of O'Neal Strategy Group. "This Sonoma Arts Live program gives young people a chance to spread their creative wings and be a part of the amazing world of live theater. They reward us, in turn, with wonderful performances."

Director Libby Oberlin, MA joined the Sonoma Arts Live staff in Fall of 2014. This past fall she toured local schools with a successful show (Faces We Hide, Faces We Show) written and performed entirely by her young adult cast, and sponsored in part by a grant from the Sonoma County Vintners and Growers Association. Ms. Oberlin has equally high hopes for THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE.

States Oberlin, "The T 'N T ensemble offers young people the invaluable experience of collaborating to create a production that everyone can feel proud of. By learning from their peers, taking risks in a safe and nurturing environment, and pushing their own limits, teenagers grow not only as performers, but as people, and we can't thank the Rotary enough for recognizing the value in our program."

Devin Muller (Senior Sonoma Valley High School) and cast member had this to say about his experiences with the group, founded in 2014.

"Being a T 'N T member of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is like reuniting with family. Some I worked with in Carrie: The Musical (2014), others in Faces We Show/ Faces We Hide touring show, and some I have never worked with. Seeing new faces in this program gives me reason to think that what Libby and Sonoma Arts Live are doing for us young aspiring actors is very special."

This experience includes working with Music Director Sherrill Peterson, choreographer Michella Snider, Stage Manager Moira Mc Govern, Production Manager Rick Love and Lighting Designer Tony Ginesi, who complete the T 'N T technical team.

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE opens on Thursday, March 10 and runs 10th,11th,12th at 7:30pm, March 13th at 2pm, March 17th, 18th, 19th 7:30pm, March 20th 2:00pm.

"Get your tickets fast" says Executive Artistic Director Jaime Love, "these kids are going amaze you with their talent and drive. This show, originally written with adults playing the middle school students, will remind you of your own spelling bee experiences. It is equally appealing to adults and children."

Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-838-3006 or by visiting www.sonomaartslive.org. Playing on the Rotary Stage, Andrews Hall in the historic Sonoma Community 276 East Napa Street. Ticket are $15 - $40 with group discounts available.This show is presented with permission by Music Theater International.

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