The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee coming to Church Street Theater

The Keegan Theatre is excited to present THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, running June 4th through July 3rd at the Church Street Theater. This six-time nominated Tony Award winning musical tells the story of five eccentric kids vying for 1st prize, bragging rights, and most importantly, a trip to the National Spelling Bee Competition. With music and lyrics by William Finn and book by Rachel Sheinkin, this show exudes humor, originality, and poignancy.

SPELLING BEE is directed by Christina A. Coakley, who co-directed Keegan's Helen Hayes Recommended A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE last season. She is joined by music director, Elisa Rosman, a newcomer to Keegan, and choreographer, Melissa Douglass Bustamante, who serves as Director of Theatre at Contradiction Dance.

This unique musical comedy features Keegan favorites Michael Innocenti, Katie McManus, Madeline Botteri, Chris Mueller, Shayna Blass, & Dan Van Why. Making their Keegan debut are Tina Ghandchilar, RaMond Thomas, and Dan Sonntag.

"Church Street is the perfect venue for the BEE," Coakley explains. "Formerly the Holton-Arms school gymnasium, this theater with just over 120 seats, delivers unmatched intimacy. Our dynamic cast transports you into the private dreams and public humiliations of these awkward adolescents (and adults)."

"Initially, it was the score that drew me to the piece," says Coakley. "Finn is known for his complex compositions and relevant lyrics. However, Sheinkin's Tony Award winning book completes this unique package. What excites me the most about this show is the potential for modifications." The show is crafted so that topical references never go stale-no two shows are the same. Pieces of the text are altered at least weekly to remain relevant and fresh, and four audience volunteers are selected to participate in the BEE at each performance.