The final show in Limelight Theatre‘s 25th season, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is uproarious and heartfelt, an unusual story with charming characters.
The musical comedy opened on Broadway in 2005 and is the 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.
An eclectic group of six middle school students (played by adults) 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.
“Adolescence is tough. Kids feel intense pressure to succeed, to please their parents, and to fit in with conventional social norms,” said Putnam County Director Leah Page, who also teaches at Flagler College. “We are introduced to six such children in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Despite the fiercely competitive atmosphere, these six spellers build resiliency and grit. They find solace in each other and emerge a little bit older and whole lot wiser.”
The cast includes Zachary Polendo as Chip Tolentino; Anastasia Costas as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere; Zachary Racine as Leaf Coneybear; Johnathan Perez as William Barfee; Kathleen Reyes as Marcy Park; Gemma Smith as Olive Ostrovsky; Katy Polk as Rona Lisa Perretti; Tom Ming as Vice Principal Douglas Panch; and Michael Cejvanovicas Mitch Mahoney.
The show runs through August 20. Show times are 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday, with a 2pm Sunday matinee. For tickets, visit www.limelight-theatre.org or call 904-825-1164.
