By-Line: Julia Truilo, City Repertory Theatre
It may not be as old as the National Spelling Bee, but Tony and Drama Desk award-winner, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, has been charming audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor since its Broadway debut in 2005. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny, and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a 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-unaffirming “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.
Directed by Beau Wade, with musical direction by Laniece Fagundes, City Repertory Theatre’s production features Ethan Fink, Charlotte Fletcher, Kelvin Niebla, Tyler Pate, Andrea Oliveras, Seth Kirk, McKayla Whiteside, Christi Ana Arnold, Frank Anello, Xavier Torres, Mackinzie Rogan, and Savanna Dacosta. These adult actors play both the middle-schoolers and their supervising adults, all finding their way through life’s difficulties and triumphs.
Performances begin on July 11, 2025, and span the following three weekends with Friday and Saturday evening performances (7/11, 7/12, 7/18, 7/19, 7/25 & 7/26) at 7:30 pm. Sunday matinees are scheduled for 3 pm on 7/13, 7/20, and 7/27. Tickets are available online at crtpalmcoast.com or by calling the box office at 386-585-9415.
City Repertory Theatre is an intimate, immersive live theatre featuring innovative productions and the region’s best performers. This Fall will mark the beginning of its 15th year providing Palm Coast with remarkable theater. For more information about City Repertory Theatre and its upcoming productions, please contact John Sbordone, Artistic Director, at sbords@gmail.com.
