Moorpark College to Stage Spelling Bee Comedy

The Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department is proud to announce its upcoming 2013 Summer production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”  This Tony Award winning musical conceived by Rebecca Feldman with music and lyrics by William Finn, a book by Rachel Sheinkin and additional material by Jay Reisswith runs from July 25th to  August 11th  in the Studio Theatre of the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center. 

“25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a hilarious tale of overachievers' angst chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. The show's Tony Award winning creative team has created the unlikeliest of hit musicals about the unlikeliest of heroes: a quirky yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time.

“We always love doing smaller musicals in the Studio Theatre over the summer,” said John Loprieno, director and Theatre Arts Department Chair.   “The smaller venue really gives us a chance to showcase the amazing talents of our students.  We also like to get as many incoming high school students as possible to attend and get involved to get them excited about starting as a new Moorpark College student in the Fall,” said Loprieno.  “It’s becoming an incredible outreach for all of our Performing Arts programs.” 

The cast includes: Peter Mazzeo from Moorpark, William Schaffer and Sarah Berlin from Simi Valley, Ryan Brodsky and Ryan Palmer from Thousand Oaks, Kevin Gilmond from Agoura Hills, Gabi Ditto and Josh Ditto from Port Hueneme, Cassidy Von Kronemann and Alyssa Kriss from Newbury Park, Nola Lowy, Marlie Rodriguez and Lexi Sloan from Westlake Village, Ashley Forster from Calabasas, Shandar Robinson from Pacioma and Ella Bowen from North Hollywood.  

“25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will run July 25, 26, 27 and August 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10  @ 8:00pm and July 28 and August 4, 11 @ 2:00pm in the studio theatre at Moorpark College.  While some of the language may not be appropriate for young children, this upbeat musical romp promises fun for the entire family.  Tickets may be purchased through the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center Box Office at (805) 378-1485 or online at www.moorparkcollege.edu/pac.    For additional information regarding “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”   or the Moorpark College Theatre Arts program, please contact John Loprieno at (805) 378-1469 or at jloprieno@vcccd.edu.  Moorpark College is located at 7075 Campus Road in Moorpark, 93021.