The musical comedy, with a book by Rachel Sheinkin and music and lyrics by William Finn (which was conceived by Rebecca Feldman with additional material by Jay Reiss), was the winner of both Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book. It tells the story of quirky middle schoolers competing in a spelling bee championship, with some laughs from the grown-ups involved as well. The competitors spell their way through the show, and a few audience members get a chance to demonstrate their spelling chops as well.
Directed by Theatre Professor Jack Cirillo, the show’s cast includes George Kinley, Sierra Lutz, Gavin Spiewak, Noah Richie, Jaden Babbit, Nikki Riniti, Rachelle Snyder, Jacob Cremeans and Jimi Lee.
“It’s a hilarious, touching, sometimes irreverent and crowd-pleasing musical, complete with audience participation,” said Samuel Kincaid, box office and public relations manager for the School of Theatre. “ ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ is amongst the first true classics of 21st century American musical theatre.”
Tickets are free for Marshall students with their MU IDs, $20 general admission, and $15 for employees and seniors age 60 and older. For tickets or additional information, call 304-696-ARTS.
Further information about Marshall’s School of Theatre and Dance is available at www.marshall.edu/theatre.