As a kid, I was a whiz at spelling, probably as a result of my voracious reading. I lost a spelling bee in 5th grade when I stumbled on the word parallel; I have always remembered those two l's in the middle of the word! We need to send our kids the message that it’s cool to be smart; what better way to do so through a musical comedy at our esteemed Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn?
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Directed by Marc Bruni
Choreography by Wendy Seyb
Directed by Marc Bruni
Choreography by Wendy Seyb
Craving a fun, musical comedy to sweep you up in the action and keep you laughing all the way home? Then this story of six quirky competitors and three oddball adults in search of spelling bee glory is the show for you. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was nominated for six Tony awards and won two: Best Book of a Musical and Best Featured Actor. David Finkle of Theatremania described the show as "a treat and a half," but one of the songs in the show says it best: "If you like to laugh, if you like to spell, you'll like this competition very well."
"We are thrilled to welcome a superb cast to Paper Mill Playhouse," said Producing Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee. "This clever, heartwarming musical demonstrates that it can be cool to be smart. This production is sure to entertain people of all ages with hilarious antics and a magnificent score."
WHEN: January 19–February 13; Wednesdays at 7:30 PM, Thursdays at 1:30 PM & 7:30 PM, Fridays at 8:00 PM, Saturdays at 1:30 PM & 8:00 PM and Sundays at 1:30 PM & 7:00 PM.
WHERE: Paper Mill Playhouse, Brookside Drive, Millburn
Family Week is January 19 to January 23, and during this period children's tickets are half off the regular price (certain restrictions apply). This show is recommended for patrons 13 years and older.
TICKETS: $25 to $92 (on sale now). Student rush tickets are $25 and are available the day of performance in person with current student ID. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, or at the Paper Mill Box Office on Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at Paper Mill Playhouse's website: www.papermill.org. Paper Mill Playhouse gift cards, available in any denomination, can be purchased at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. Groups of ten or more can receive up to a 25% discount or more on tickets and should call 973.379.3636, extension 2438.
In conjunction with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Paper Mill Playhouse is proud to announce a series of free audience enrichment activities including:
- The Director's Viewpoint, January 19 at 6:30 PM
- Conversation Club, every Thursday evening at 6:30 PM
- A With the Cast on February 12 following the matinee
