Preview of 'Spelling Bee' by WISP

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Jan 17th-19th First Church of Christ, 366 Main Street, Old Saybrook

WISP Performances proudly presents, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and the world premiere of their original one act musical To Bee or Not Too Bee.

Spelling Bee, the six-time nominated Tony Award winning musical tells the story of five eccentric kids vying for 1st prize, bragging rights, and most importantly, a trip to the National Spelling Bee Competition. With music and lyrics by William Finn and book by Rachel Sheinkin, this show is known for its humor, originality, and poignancy. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is funny, suspenseful, heartwarming and filled with memorable songs and unpredictable audience participation.

We wanted to take the show a step further said Director Karen Wagner Iovanna, by writing and developing a prequel to The Spelling Bee called To Bee or Not to Bee which takes place 22 years prior at the 3rd Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The audience will get to know the main characters and their parents as children. It’s hysterical and carries right into main show. There’s no break. It’s an extension with funny dialogue and ridiculously hilarious songs.

Improvisation and audience volunteers are key to the success of the show which means every performance is different. The minute the audience enters the performance space they become part of the show. The experience is enhanced by cabaret style seating and BYOB.

The amazingly talented cast is comprised of both amateur and professional young actors from throughout the state who will literally have you rolling in the aisles. Broadway Cabaret Style is coming to Old Saybrook. Bring your dinner, a bottle of wine and join in the fun!

Friday, Jan 17th @ 7PM,
Saturday, Jan 18th @ 2PM & 7PM
Sunday, Jan 18th @ 2PM

Tickets $25 Adults, Seniors/Children under 9yrs $20.
Box Office: 435-222-2TIX (2849) Online: www.tututix.com/wispsing
For further info call 203-494-1633

Nancy Sasso Janis, writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, posts well over 100 reviews each year. In 2016, her membership in the Connecticut Critics Circle began and her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted not only in the Naugatuck Patch but also on the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.

Click here to read about Naugatuck/Bethwood Patch Mayor Nancy Sasso Janis.