This Tony Award-winning comedic musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, centers on a fictional spelling bee set in a geographically ambiguous Putnam Valley Middle School. (PG-13). This fast-paced, hilarious musical is being presented by the award-winning Compass Rose Theater in Annapolis, directed by Tommy Malek and music directed by Rachel Sandler.
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 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 a champion! At least the losers get a juice box. It includes audience participation.
Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, has charmed audiences nationwide with its effortless wit and humor. music and lyrics by William Finn, with a book by Rachel Sheinkin, conceived by Rebecca Feldman, with additional material by Jay Reiss. This musical is rated PG-13 and is a satire of stereotypes. There is a song about puberty and other young adult-themed jokes throughout.