E&H Theatre Department Presents Putnam County Spelling Bee

The competition is intense. The words are hilarious. Let the spelling begin!

The Emory & Henry College Theatre Department will present "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," a musical comedy based on an original play by Rebecca Feldman. The play begins at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 18 - 20 in the E&H Studio Theatre. It will run again on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 3 p.m.

The show centers around a fictional spelling bee set in a geographically ambiguous Putnam Valley Middle School. In this play six quirky adolescents compete in the bee, run by two equally quirky grown-ups, and learn that winning isn't everything.

Along with the spelling the kids tackle everything from the onset of puberty to parental pressure. As if this isn’t ground for enough hilarity, the show has an extra element of four audience volunteers onstage with the cast who take part in the spelling bee right alongside the cast (if you loath forced audience participation, have no fear, volunteers sign themselves up before the show).

Director Kelly Bremner adds, “This is not just a show about competitive spelling, but a show about how we all can learn to be proud of what we love, no matter what the obstacles may be.”

The musical was based upon Feldman’s “C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E,” which was performed by The Farm, a New York-based improvisational comedy troupe, in 2004. The show won Tony Awards for best book and best featured actor (Dan Fogler). Music and lyrics are by William Finn and the book is by Rachel Sheinkin.

Christianne Roll serves as music director of the performance. Dan Wheeler serves as scenographer and technical director

Seating is limited, so reservations are highly recommended. This show contains adult language and content and is not appropriate for children.

Advance reservations are not required. Admission is free for E&H students and members of the College’s faculty and staff. Admission for others: $8 for adults in advance and $10 at the door. Students from other institutions $3.
For more information or for tickets, call 276.944.6846 or email atcoulth@ehc.edu.