CenterStage strikes up an intense, yet endearing, competition as it presents its rendition of “The 25TH Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at the Jewish Community Center August 26 - September 4, 2010. Performances will be held on August 26, August 28, August 30, August 31, September 2 and September 4 at 7:30 p.m. August 29 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

“The 25TH Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a one act musical comedy centered around a fictional spelling bee set in a geographically ambiguous Putnam Valley Middle School. Six quirky adolescents compete in the Bee, overseen by three equally-quirky grown-ups, who learn that winning isn’t everything and losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser.

The use of audience participants gives the musical a unique, interesting twist. Each night the witty cast challenges four audience members to join them on stage for a bona fide spell-off. Each new foursome guarantees a new set of hilarious and unexpected experiences, making each performance just as unique as the one before it.

Keeping with the Tony-award winning season, “The 25TH Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” was nominated for six Tony Awards, winning two 2005 Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Featured Actor. The show is comprised of music by William Finn, with lyrics by Rachel Sheinkin. Directed by CenterStage Artistic Director, John R. Leffert, it stars Jessica Adamson, Kyle Braun, Chris Bryant, Monty Fields, Mandy Kramer, Candace Kresse, Alonzo Richmond, Jeremy Sapp and Jill Sullivan. The show is recommended for ages 13 and above.

Tickets for “The 25TH Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” are being sold at the Jewish Community Center at 3600 Dutchmans Lane, or by calling (502) 459-0660. Single tickets are $18. Discounted rush tickets are available for evening performances on Sunday, Monday and Thursdays.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the rest of our 2010-2011 Tony Award winning season, with season performances of “Brigadoon”, “Man of La Mancha”, “The Music Man” and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”. Show and season ticket information is available at www.jewishlouisville.org or by calling Marcy Workman at (502) 238-2739.