25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee to Open tonight at Grove Theater Center
New theater company Yutopian Entertainment is set to open The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee tonight, Oct 3rd at the Grove Theater Center in Burbank. A riotous ride complete with audience participation, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is a delightful den of comedic genius that launched the careers of some of todays leading comedic actors including Josh Gad (Frozen, Book of Mormon), Barrett Foa (NCIS: Los Angeles, Avenue Q), and Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family). 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 life, the tweens spell their way through a series of [potentially made-up] words hoping to never hear the soul crushing, pout inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.
Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE has won over audiences across the country with its effortless charm 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!
CAST: Corey A. Affron (Chip Tolentino) Melissa Deni (Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere) Grace Yoo (Marcy Park) Robert Francis (Leaf Coneybear) Annie Claire Hudson (Olive Ostrovsky) Justin W. Yu (William Barfee) Alene Aroustamian (Rona Peretti) Kevin Michael Moran* (Vice Principal Douglas Panch) Andrew Mackin (Mitch Mahoney) CREATIVE TEAM: Produced & Directed by Justin Yu Co-Produced by Robert Francis Music Directed by Luis Avila* Choreographed by Keenon Hooks Assistant Choreographed by Sarah Maher Lighting Design by Brittany Cobb Set & Costume Design by The Cast *Member of Actor's Equity Association, The Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States Production runs through Oct 12th at GTC Burbank. For tickets and more information, visit www.yutopianentertainment.com.