An exciting twist to the Memorial Opera House’s 2015 programming has been added with the showing of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” now playing through Aug. 16.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a contemporary Broadway musical. In 2005, it was nominated for six Tony Awards and won two of them, including Best Book.
Trinidad Snider, Business Director for the Memorial Opera House, said, “It’s a newer musical. Our patrons are used to seeing older musicals like ‘Hello, Dolly.’ It introduces our audience to newer theater productions as well.”
The interesting aspect of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is that every show, real audience members are brought onstage to go for spelling bee champion gold against the six actors in the show.
Snider is excited for the play to be running at Memorial Opera House. “It’s a funny show, and people will enjoy it,” she said. “It’s really funny to see the six actors in the show playing kids on stage.”
In July, the Memorial Opera House Foundation hosted a spelling bee of its own where eight community leaders had to battle the letters against eight local elementary students.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling” opened on July 31 and is running for three weekends. According to Snider, this production is PG-13. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., and Sunday shows will be at 2 p.m., with the exception of the final show at 5 p.m. on Aug. 16.
Tickets for The Memorial Opera House’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” are available at online. Adult tickets are $21, and for seniors age 59 and older, military or students with ID, it is $18.
Beth Casey is a freelance writer.
’25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’
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When: Through Aug. 16
Where: Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso
Tickets: Adults $21, seniors (59 and older) and military/students with ID $18
Information: 219-548-9137