'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' Opens Friday at Connecticut Cabaret Theatre

The curtains will rise Friday night for a five-weekend run of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Connecticut Cabaret Theatre in Berlin.

The musical comedy by Rachel Sheinkin with music and lyrics by William Finn is being directed by Kris McMurray. The show opens Friday, Nov. 28 with performances scheduled on weekends through Jan. 17.

Join an eclectic group of six awkward adolescents and their proctors, as they work through a daunting and hilarious spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing amusing and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of [potentially made-up] words hoping to never 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 delight for young and old and it is worthy of much A-P-P-L-A-U-S-E. The play won the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. from Nov. 28 through Jan. 17. (No performances Dec. 26-27 and Jan. 2-3.) Doors open at 7:15pm.

Tickets are available by calling the box office at 860-829-1248. Reservations are recommended. Ticket price $30. For more information, visit the website: www.ctcabaret.com The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre is located at 31 Webster Square Rd., just off Route 9 (exit 22: Mill Street) and the Berlin Turnpike. Visit the website for detailed directions.

The theater’s motto is “BRING YOUR OWN”. Presented cabaret-style, patrons are welcome to bring whatever they like to eat or drink with them. They also can enjoy a dessert bar that has a variety of treats to purchase.

Photo: The cast of ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.’ Credit: Connecticut Cabaret Theatre.

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