July 20-August 20: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Limelight Theatre

Local actors on stage in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, July 20-August 20 at Limelight Theatre.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is the final musical in Limelight Theatre‘s 25th season, on the Matuza Main Stage July 20-August 20.

The musical comedy opening on Broadway in 2005. Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor.

The cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee includes Tom Ming as Vice Principal Douglas Panch; Zachary Polendo as Chip Tolentino; Anastasia Costas as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere; Zachary Racine as Leaf Coneybear; Katy Polk as Rona Lisa Perretti; Johnathan Perez as William Barfee; Gemma Smith as Olive Ostrovsky; Kathleen Reyes as Marcy Park; and Michael Cejvanovic as Mitch Mahoney.

An eclectic group of six middle school students (played by adults) 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! At least the losers get a juice box.

A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius.

Tom Ming as Vice Principal Douglas Panch and Katy Polk as Rona Lisa Perretti, both Spelling Bee judges.

“Adolescence is tough. Kids feel intense pressure to succeed, to please their parents, and to fit in with conventional social norms,” said Putnam County Director Leah Page, who also teaches at Flagler College.

“We are introduced to six such children in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Despite the fiercely competitive atmosphere, these six spellers build resiliency and grit. They find solace in each other and emerge a little bit older and whole lot wiser.”

Zachary Racine as Leaf Coneybear.

The cast includes Zachary Polendo as Chip Tolentino; Anastasia Costasas Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere; Zachary Racine as Leaf Coneybear; Johnathan Perez as William Barfee; Kathleen Reyes as Marcy Park; Gemma Smith as Olive Ostrovsky; Katy Polk as Rona Lisa Perretti; Tom Ming as Vice Principal Douglas Panch; and Michael Cejvanovic as Mitch Mahoney.

Live musicians are always part of every Limelight Theatre musical production. Music Director Shelli Long plays the keyboard; Daniel Stagnittaplays the woodwinds; and Brian Lester plays percussion instruments.

Anastasia Costas as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere (center), with Zachary Racine and Michael Cejvanovic playing her two dads.

Preview Night tickets are $15 for Thursday, July 20. Terrific Tuesday is July 25 with two for $30 tickets. For all other performances, tickets are $26 for all seats. Tickets are available anytime at limelight–theatre.org, or call the box office at 904-825-1164.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday–Saturday and Terrific Tuesday; and 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Advance reservations are suggested. Choose your seats at limelight–theatre.org or call 904-825-1164.

Limelight Theatre is located at 11 Old Mission Ave., uptown St. Augustine. Free parking is located on site or street-side.