Newton 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 Newton resident Jamie Byron who plays Olive Ostrovsky, a young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is on a spiritual quest in India and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the bee.

“I saw the touring production of Spelling Bee while I was in college, and couldn't resist auditioning when I saw that it would be part of Moonstruck's season. I feel fortunate to be participating in my first Moonstruck production with this very talented cast and crew,” says Byron. “Spelling Bee is a show about finding confidence in yourself, dreaming big, and embracing your idiosyncrasies - something that we can all relate to! Throw in some great music and a hilarious cast, and Spelling Bee is definitely a show with something for everyone.”

Byron has been performing since high school. “In college, I performed primarily in musical theater revues, and have participated in community theater in Boston for the past 2 years. Olive has been a dream role of mine since I first saw the show so this is definitely my favorite role to date!” When not onstage, Jamie works in Development at an independent school, volunteers for Honor Flight New England, sings with Brookline Acappella, and will complete her 6th marathon in the fall.

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.