Let it BEE, Let it BEE . . .

     The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a musical. A musical comedy.  A light-hearted look at six young people who win their local bee and now sit ready to compete against other Bee winners.  It looks at their lives, their angst, their nervousness, their boldness, their family's influences, and interacts beautifully with the three adults who have their own stories to tell.
     I've seen the show three times now at a community theater, a equity regional theater and at a equity/non-equity theater.  Each a little different for the obvious reasons but equally fun with delightful music, dance, comedy and the interplay of audience members makes it a very unique experience.
     Three patrons at each performance sign up to be on stage and jump in the role of one of the Spelling Bee champs.  They really and truly spell on stage and its probably as nerve-wracking for them as for kids in a real Bee.  But what a great opportunity to perform, even a little, in a show.
     So . . . Little Theatre of Manchester offers you this chance.  Come see the show (August 8, 9, 10 and 14, 15, 16, 17), sign up if you 'dare', and become part of the amazing group of young actors as they bring this sweet story to life.
     Yes, there are a few things included that are for mature audiences, but its all in fun - and we think you'll enjoy this relatively new Tony-award winning musical.
     Gloria Trombley directs and choreographs, Michael Winslow is the Musical Director and the "kid" cast includes Michael Conway, Thomas Beebe, Michael McKiernan, Bailey Emerson, Katherine McLellan, Jen Augeri and Matt Falkowski, with Joshua Thompson, Shawn Procuniar and Lauren Rozek as the adults.
     The show is sponsored by UNICO, Manchester Chapter with support from Pratt & Whitney, the Greater Hartford Arts Council and the State of Connectiut, Office of the Arts.  
     Tickets are available at the box office, Cheney Hall, 177 Hartford Road, Manchester, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 90 minutes before curtain.  The Thursday show begins at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
     As a special treat, local honey will be sold during the run of . . . Spelling Bee!  So . . .  Let it Bee, Let it Bee . . . and we'll see you there!