Live from MiraCosta: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

The MiraCosta College Theatre Department presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, music and lyrics by William Finn. The play opened March 8 at the MiraCosta College Theatre, located at 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside. Eric Bishop directs.

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. 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, they spell their way through a series of 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.

“This show will always have a special place in my heart. I performed in it in 2009 at PCPA Theaterfest in the role of Vice Principle Panch. It was during that run that I met the show’s set designer and current MiraCosta College faculty, Andrew Layton. We are now colleagues,” explained director Bishop. “Spelling Bee” focuses on the awkward interactions between wunderkind adolescents who are struggling to find themselves while growing up. The music and lyrics of William Finn and concept by Rebecca Feldman are absolutely brilliant!”

Play dates are scheduled for March 15–17 at 7:30 p.m., and March 17–18 at 2 p.m. General admission is $18; seniors/staff, $15; students, $13. Children under the age of 5 are not admitted to the Theatre. If an audience member wants to put their spelling ability to the test, there will be an opportunity to be selected to go up on stage to participate in the Bee. Look for a table in the lobby and submit an application before the show begins.

Tickets are available online at miracosta.edu/buytix or by calling the MiraCosta College Box Office at 760.795.6815.