Members of the cast of Pine Valley Central School’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” are pictured. Top row, from left, Russell Errington, Judah Bell, Sadie Kruszka, Kendra Schultz, Sadie Hosmer, Lizzie Roland, MJ Quinn, Saphera Lindquist and Jada Sterling. Middle row, from left, are Vivien Libby, Sara Sunick, Kieran Zollinger, Aidan Moskulak, Aiden Bell, Katie King, Destiny Lindquist and Julianna Yasurek. Bottom row, from left, are Madison Ebel, Damien Stanfield, Muriel Zollinger, Jimmy Gleason, Arryanna Bardo, Warren Butcher, and Hailey Errington. Submitted photo

SOUTH DAYTON – The students of Pine Valley Jr.Sr. High School have been rehearsing for months to bring “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” musical to the community.

The cast of two dozen Panthers from eighth through 12th grade is looking forward to entertaining the public at two performances scheduled Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium at 7827 Route 83.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a tale about several eclectic youngsters finding joy, heartache and a purpose in competing at the regional spelling bee finals. Six quirky adolescents compete in the bee, run by three equally quirky grown-ups.

Musical numbers included “Woe is Me,” “Pandemonium,” “Magic Foot,” “The I Love You Song,” and “Prayer of The Comfort Counselor.”

The cast is led by a group of six students starring as the featured spellers: Muriel Zollinger (Olive Ostrovsky), Jimmy Gleason (William Barfee), Madison Ebel (Logainne Schwartzandgrubeierre), Damein Stanfield (Leaf Coneybear), Hailey Errington (Marcy Park), and Warren Butcher (Chip Tolentino). Guiding the spellers through the bee are the three adults played by Arryanna Bardo (Rona Lisa Peretti), Aiden Bell (Douglas Panch), and Aidan Moskaluk (Mitch Mahoney).

“Not only have the cast and crew put countless hours into this production, but they have far surpassed our high expectations,” says vocal director Mary Kay Himes. “They will have you laughing out loud, experiencing heartbreak, and smiling nonstop.”

Those attending are asked to arrive by 6 p.m. to check in and purchase concessions. The show features a 15-minute intermission and concessions will be sold during that time as well.

“This remarkable group of students has truly created an extraordinary experience for audience members,” said Allison Mullin, drama director and choreographer.

Behind the scenes is a crew comprising nine students from seventh through 12th grades along with five staff members overseeing the production.

Pre-sale tickets cost $8 plus tax for adults or $5 plus tax for students and can be purchased online at https://pine-valley-drama-club.ticketleap.com/the-25th-annual-putnamcounty-spelling-bee/

When purchasing tickets, please ensure your whole party completes their purchase together. Seat assignments cannot be rearranged at any point following the purchase. For select seating use a desktop, using a phone will generate best seating only. Door tickets cost $10 for adults and $6 for students.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” musical contains adult content.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” features music and lyrics by William Finn with a book written by Rachel Sheinkin. It was conceived by Rebecca Feldman with additional material by Jay Reiss.