Berlin Resident to Star in THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

MOONSTRUCK THEATER COMPANY is pleased to present THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, opening Friday, July 15th, and running for six performances through Sunday, July 24th.

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is the story of how six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser. This hilarious tale of overachievers and adolescent angst chronicles the experience of outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime, all while trying to avoid the soul-crushing "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box. Add in a vibrant score, an award-winning script, and heaps of audience participation, and you’ll get swept away by this fast paced, witty, charming musical.

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE features 9 performers from the Greater Boston area, including Berlin resident Peter Mann who plays William Barfée, a speller with only one working nostril and a touchy personality. He was a finalist at the 24th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee but was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts.

“I wanted to participate in this show because I enjoy working with the people at Moonstruck Theatre Company and I also think this show is hysterical,” says Mann. “Spelling Bee is unique because every single character has a very important role to play, without which the show would not work. I think people should come see this show because it's full of talent, ridiculousness, and all around fun!”

Mann, who has been performing in theater since high school, recalls his most memorable role as being Thalia in Moonstruck’s 2015 production of Xanadu. When not in the theater, Peter works as a camp counselor and will be entering his Sophomore year at the University of Hartford as an acting major.

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is directed by Caroline Fonseca and music directed by Samantha Prindiville. The production will be presented at Avalon Dance & Fitness, 345 Trapelo Rd, Belmont, MA. Advance tickets are $22 for general admission and $18 for senior citizens and students. Tickets purchased at the door are $25 for general admission and $22 for senior citizens and students. For tickets, reservations, and more information, visit www.moonstrucktheater.org.