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
Originally Produced on Broadway by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, Barrington Stage Company, Second Stage Theatre

Tom Cooper Director
Sarah Wilkie Choreographer
David Higham Musical Supervisor

Somewhere in small-town America, six middle-school children are taking part in a county spelling competition. One-by-one, these clever misfit children are asked to spell increasingly tricky words: when they get it wrong, the dreaded bell signals their elimination, until only one remains to be declared the victor of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

This riotous, heartwarming and quirky musical won the 2005 Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Rachel Sheinkin’s book, which features audience participation and improv elements. In our production, William Finn’s buoyant and joyful score is brought to life by a company of eighteen actor-musicians. Join us for this musical celebration of being young, being bright, growing up, and the consolations of a juice box.

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.co.uk