There’s a buzz in the air – as York Light Opera Company get ready to bring ‘fast-paced and wildly funny’ The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee to the stage.
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of – potentially made-up – words hoping to never 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.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is at Theatre@41 from Wednesday 24 June to Saturday 4 July.
Building on the success of their previous productions including Eurobeat and Annie, York Light Opera Company promises laughter, warmth, and a celebration of individuality with this musical comedy.
The musical, which premiered in 2004, was created by Rebecca Feldman, with music and lyrics by William Finn and book by Rachel Sheinkin. York Light’s production is directed by Neil Wood with musical direction from Martin Lay.
The ensemble cast features Neil Foster as Vice Principal Douglas Panch, Katie Brier as Rona Lisa Peretti, Mikhail Lim as Mitch Mahoney, Lotty Farmer as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, Hannah Shaw as Olive Ostrovsky, Rosa Burns as Marcy Park, Daniel Wood as Leaf Coneybear, James Dickinson as Chip Tolentino, and Stephen Wright as William Barfeé.
Director Neil Wood said, “Spelling Bee is one of those shows that invites the audience into the world of the spellers to cheer, to laugh, to cry and just have a wonderful evening.
“It is currently back in New York, Off-Broadway, winning every award in-sight. It has top quality writing and is just as relevant today from when it was first performed.
“With a show that has such a cult following, once you see it, you will want to come back over and over again. Don’t miss your chance to experience a truly bee-rilliant performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!”
Get ready for a riotous ride – complete with audience participation. Tickets are £18 and available via the Theatre@41 website.
