2023-2024 Season
October 27 - November 11, 2023
The 25th Annual
Putnam County
Spelling Bee
Music and Lyrics by WILLIAM FINN
Book by RACHEL SHEINKIN
Conceived by REBECCA FELDMAN
Directed by Al Recchia
Music Direction by Ben Doyle
Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.
A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser and an instant theatre patron favorite.
December 8-10, 2023
A Christmas Carol
One Actor - 25 Characters
Based on the book by Charles Dickens
Adapted and Performed by Patrick R. Spadaccino
Directed by Scott R. Brill
A one-man adaptation of the Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. This classic 19th Century tale of the greed, bitterness and the harsh reality of life in that period is in stark contrast to the joyous Christmas season. Patrick Spadaccino plays 25 different roles in the 90 minute performance and brings each character to life.
February 9-24, 2024
It's Only a Play
By Terrence McNally
Directed by Scott R. Brill
A wealthy first-time Broadway producer, Julia Budder, is throwing an opening night party for The Golden Egg at her luxurious Manhattan home. The playwright, Peter Austin, is joined by the director, a lead actor, and assorted friends and hangers-on (including a critic) as they nervously wait for the late-night reviews printed in the newspapers. As they wait, they gossip and name-drop celebrities who are in attendance and chat about their respective theater experiences. Virginia Noyes, the star of the show, is taking drugs. James Wicker, an old friend of the playwright, is now a successful TV actor who turned down the lead in the play, and is relieved and secretly thrilled about the bad reviews that arrive. And, although Ira Drew is a theater critic, he is very critical of the theater because he has no talent to actually participate, despite his secretly writing plays. Not discouraged by the bad reviews for The Golden Egg, the assembled parties eagerly make plans for their next play, which they know will be a hit.
April 26-May 11, 2024
Grease
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Directed by John Atkin
Music Direction by Ken Knox
Choreography by Christine Titus
With a hip-shaking rock 'n' roll score featuring hits like "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightnin'," and "We Go Together," Grease celebrates Rydell High's class of 1959 in all their duck-tailed, bobby-soxed, gum-snapping glory.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
It's Only a Play Is presented through special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
“Grease” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company. www.concordtheatricals.com