Derby Academy Summer Musical Coming to Hingham

Grab your dictionaries and join Summer Arts at as it proudly presents “The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!”  This heartwarming and hilarious musical takes place on Wednesday, July 25 and Thursday, July 26 at 7:30 pm in Larson Hall at Derby Academy.

Follow the journey of six quirky competitors as they vie for the title of spelling bee champ. Along the way, the characters deal with the pressures of winning, the reality of losing and the realization that neither winning nor losing defines them as individuals. Admission is free.

This adorable and entertaining musical was conceived by Rebecca Feldman with music and lyrics by William Finn and the book by Rachel Sheinkin. The cast of “The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” features children ages 11-15 from all over the South Shore and beyond, including Justin Rubenstein (Chip Tolentino), Aly Clinton (Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre), Monica Cormack (Olive Ostrovsky), Gianna Beniers (Marcy Park), Zack Herman (Leaf Coneybear), Sam Vita (Vice-Principal Douglas Panch), Jake Van Dine (William Barfee), Carly Brilliant (Rona Lisa Perretti), and Liam Nahil (Mitch Mahoney).  Other featured actors include Rachel Froom, Louise Hardison, Olivia Thornton, Emily Parker, Haley Ardizzoni, Carter Jones, Matthew Park, Josh Crosby, Declan O’Flaherty, Elly Cope and Christian Koomey, among others.

The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” was nominated for six Tony awards, including Best Musical, and won two Tony awards, including Best Book of a Musical. Derby’s production is directed by Maureen Fish, with choreography by Christine Beniers and musical direction by Gingy Grimes. Peter Kates (Production & Lighting Designer), Brooke Stanton (Costume Designer) and Alyssa Bickoff (Sound Designer) round out the creative team.

In addition to the two evening performances, excerpts from the show will be performed Friday, July 28 during the Arts Festival at Derby Academy. The Arts Festival is the culmination of five weeks of artistic exploration at the Summer Arts camp and celebrates the accomplishments of each camper, featuring a variety of artistic exhibitions.  The public is welcome. Any questions, contact Thalia McMillion or Susan Ploss at 781-740-4766.  Learn more about Summer Arts at Derby Academy at www.derbyacademy.org/summer.

Founded in 1784, Derby Academy is the oldest coeducational day school in continuous operation in New England. Located in Hingham, Mass., Derby Academy is dedicated to serving students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 and is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that includes rigorous academics and comprehensive arts and athletics programs in a welcoming and nurturing environment. For more information about Derby Academy visit us online at www.derbyacademy.org.

-Derby Academy