The Center for the Arts presents the Tony Award-winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee through May 5.
Come cheer on these unforgettable characters in a story of socially awkward adolescents who find both joy and heartache while vying for the regional spelling bee title. The cast of nine actors includes three MTSU students as “spellers,” as well as three Belmont University students.
Director Rachel Jones, who previously directed the award-winning Heathers: the Musical at the Center in 2018 and Ragtime in 2017, is eager for folks to see this show.
“Spelling Bee is so incredibly fun, and our cast is made up of the most amazing storytellers,” said Jones. “The talent level is outstanding, and we can’t wait to showcase this story.”
Spelling Bee centers around six mid-pubescents, portrayed by adults, as they compete for the first-place trophy and a $200 cash prize while dealing with personal dilemmas and sharing about their lives outside of the spelling bee. Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (Virginia Tipps) has two overbearing fathers that stress her out. Leaf Coneybear (Brooks Bennett), believes he’s dumb because that’s what his family always tells him. Olive Ostrovsky (Melissa Tormene), is shy and reserved as a result of her largely absent parents. William Barfée (Josh Smith) is extremely confident in his spelling abilities and uses an unusual technique to spell out words. Marcy Park (Tori Peterson) is a brilliant, overachieving contestant who is tired of always being good at everything. Chip Tolentino (Riley Henderson) is easily distracted by an attractive audience member which leads to an unfortunate circumstance.
The spelling bee tweens work their way through a series of words and do everything they can to avoid hearing the dreaded “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter but only one speller wins! This musical, complete with audience members chosen to join the spelling bee, is a charming story of fun, heartbreak and triumph.
Tickets are currently on sale at boroarts.org, by calling 615-904-ARTS (2787) or at the Center for the Arts Box Office, 110 W. College St., Murfreesboro. This production is rated PG-13.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5.
