Compass Rose Theater To Showcase “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”

An eclectic group of six competitors will vie for the championship of a lifetime during Compass Rose Theater’s upcoming production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” which premieres March 15.

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. Audience participation and the possibility of some notable familiar faces make every performance a uniquely entertaining experience.

“You will never see the same show twice because audience members we may recognize will join the cast onstage and flex their spelling skills, all in fun,” said Barbara Webber, executive director of Compass Rose Theater. “The combination of highly skilled professionals onstage and behind the scenes, along with brave audience members, will make for a laughter-filled, entertaining show.”

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” features Beth Amann as Rona Lisa, Cera Baker as Marcy, Terrell Chamber as Mitch, Lila Cooper as Olive, Stephen Emery as Barfee, Preston Grover as Chip, Taylor Litofsky as Logainnne, Omar Said as Panch, Sam Slottow as Leaf, and other actors.

VIP spellers will include Jackie Coleman, executive director of Maryland Hall; Ryan Sneddon, publisher of Naptown Scoop; other recognizable community leaders; and spontaneously called audience members.

The production was originally created by Rachel Sheinkin, with music and lyrics by William Finn, and conceived by Rebecca Feldman.

The show runs from March 15 to April 28 at Maryland Hall in the Compass Rose Theater. Performances are Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm or 8:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm.

Tickets are $25 to $55, available until showtime while supplies last. Reduced prices are offered for students, seniors, members of the military or veterans, and groups of 12 or more. To buy tickets, visit www.compassrosetheater.org.

“We look forward to bringing this bright, boisterous and quirky musical to the Compass Rose stage,” said director Tommy Malek. “Exploring all the joys, trials and triumphs that come with being a 12-year-old spelling bee champion, this show is bound to make you laugh and maybe even shed a tear or two.”