The 25th Annual
Putnam County Spelling Bee

Music and Lyrics by WILLIAM FINN

Book by RACHEL SHEINKIN

Conceived by REBECCA FELDMAN

Additional Material by Jay Reiss

Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine

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Performances: 8pm Evening / 3pm Sunday Matinee

January 18, 19, 25, 26, 27 February 1, 2

The Presbyterian Education Center

64 Oswego Street

Baldwinsville, NY 13027

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Directed/Music Directed by Colin Keating

Produced by Willow Eckel

Choreography by Brittany O'Reilly

Costumes by Jodi Wilson

Sound Design by Sean Connolly

Set Design by Henry Wilson

Starring: Christy Ashby, Josh Mele, Cameron Walker, Jennifer Pearson, Dan Williams, Ceara Windhausen, Natasia White, Kilian Crowley, and Ryan Sparkes.

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Based upon the Rachel Sheinkin book, conceived by Rebecca Feldman, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by William Finn. The 2005 Broadway production, directed by James Lapine and produced by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, Barrington Stage Company and Second Stage Theater, was nominated for six Tony Awards, winning two, including Best Book.

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Audience members are captivated as an eclectic group of sixth-graders arrives at the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, each eager to win for very different reasons. Sweet and shy Olive brings only her best friend (the dictionary) with her to the bee; bold and hyperallergic speller William Barfee uses his “magic foot” to propel him to greatness; former champion Chip is struggling with his burgeoning puberty; easily distracted Leaf is unconvinced that he’s smart enough to be a challenger; overachiever Marcy is disappointed by her consistent success; and politically aware Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre only wants to impress her gay dads. In hilarious, touching, and catchy songs, each speller reveals his/her hopes, struggles, and passions as they make their way through the competition.

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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will have the audience falling in love, both with the show itself and its “perspicacious,” “jocular,” and “effervescent” spellers.

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