Rauh Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse
Through June 8
7 p.m. & 2 p.m.
For ages 13+
Experience the thrill and suspense of a spelling bee without all of the stress that comes with being in one. Point Park University’s Playhouse Jr. is wrapping up its 65th season with the Tony Award-winning musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Go along for the wordy ride as six quirky adolescents from Putnam Valley Middle School compete in a bee organized by three equally quirky adults.
With a fresh twist on the all-American squeaky clean tradition of the county spelling bee, the comedy unfolds when its gawky teen contestants are joined by four selected audience members to compete for local fame, their family’s affections and the prize money. Along the way, everyone involved learns how rewarding it is to do the best you can and enjoy doing it.
Directed by Zeva Barzell, the Playhouse Jr. production features scenic design by Michael Thomas Essad, costumes by Don DiFonso, lighting by Todd Nonn and sound by Steve Shapiro. Music director is Camille Villalpando Rolla.
Based on an original improvisational play created by Rebecca Feldman, the one-act musical comedy features music and lyrics by William Finn, a book by Rachel Sheinkin and additional material by Jay Reiss. Winner of two Tony Awards, three Drama Desk Awards and two Lucille Lortel Awards, the musical was produced on Broadway in 2005.
Special performances for school field trips are available. For information, call the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412-392-8000. Recommended for audiences ages 13 and older.
Point Park University’s Playhouse Jr. is the second oldest continually running children’s theatre in the country. Celebrating its 65th season, Playhouse Jr. presents family-friendly live theatre for children of all ages, including fairy tales, modern and timeless stories adapted for young audiences and classics from children’s literature.