UVA Drama presents THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE in the Culbreth Theatre. Music and Lyrics by William Finn, Book by Rachel Sheinkin, Conceived by Rebecca Feldman. Directed by Dave Dalton.
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents 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. Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a riotous ride, complete with audience participation.