The Indiana Repertory Theatre is kicking off its 2024-25 season with a spelling bee — well, not just any spelling bee, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
The IRT is bringing music back with the two-time Tony Award-winning musical Sept. 18-Oct. 13 on the OneAmerican Financial Stage. Directed and choreographed by Patdro Harris, the IRT’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” has something for the whole family to enjoy.
“I love this tuneful and charming musical! As the Olympics have recently reminded us, the thrill and suspense of competition is intoxicating. Who will be the first to fold? Who will make it to the finish line?” Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director Benjamin Hanna said in a statement. “With guest celebrity spellers, great music and a wonderful cast of quirky characters, this musical has a little something for everyone.”
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“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” — or “Spelling Bee” for the sake of time, is a quirky musical comedy about a group of earnest, young students passionate about vocab, each eager to become the next county champion. The music is silly and fun, the storyline is heartful and hilarious and the characters are easy to love.
This production is unique from others IRT has done, as each performance will include audience participation as well as a variety of community members taking the state to try their hand at the spelling bee.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a wonderful journey of words, family and dreams,” Harris said. “This play allows the characters to live their dreams out loud. What a brave way to approach life.”
Special programming for “Spelling Bee” includes post-performance festivities with food, drinks, a champagne toast and the chance to explore the set with IRT Artisans on opening night Sept. 20.
Artist conversations with the cast and crew will take place after the performance on Sept. 28, Oct. 3 and Oct. 10. Teacher appreciation night will take place on Sept. 24. Teachers who register in advance will receive a free ticket to the show that night, swag and snacks, as well as the chance to be picked to be part of the show that night.
ASL/AD performance will take place at 2 p.m. on Sept. 29. Patrons with hearing needs may sit in the interpretation zone and meet with the interpreter before the show. Assisted Listening Devices will also be available for free at each performance.
The sensory friendly performance is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Oct. 12. Sensory supports will be available for all performances, and certain elements of the show will be adapted to ensure comfort of audience members, including those with autism and other sensitivities.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” runs Sept. 18-Oct. 13 at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St. The show is approximately one hour and 55 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets start at $25 and are available at irtlive.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
