Marco Lutheran Presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Since way back in 1989 with the production of Man of La Mancha, the Marco Island stage has come alive every few years with a new offering from the Great White Way. The Community Theatre Project was started to allow amateur musicians and actors to perform full-scale Broadway shows with professional orchestration. Over the years, Godspell,The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, Camelot, and even Frankenstein have been taken on. This year, the Community Theatre Project is proud to bring you The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit 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.

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 words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "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.

A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius. The small cast and unit set make this a perfect option for high schools or community theaters. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser and an instant theatre patron favorite. Beyond the awards the musical won, Spelling Bee was nominated for an additional four Tony Awards, three Drama Desk Awards (including one for Outstanding Musical) and two Lucille Lortel awards. Its cast and creative team also won a Tony Award, a Drama Desk Award, a Lucille Lortel Award and two Theatre World Awards. And here’s another piece of trivia: although he enjoyed some prior success, Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s role as Leaf Coneybear in Spelling Bee helped boost his career, leading to his star turn as Mitchell on TV’s “Modern Family” just a few short years later.

Past Community Theatre Project shows have been met with great reception from our island community. So as not to compete with other local and regional theaters, these productions only run for three days. This allows almost anyone to get involved without tiring them from their everyday jobs. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, moms, and students have participated throughout the years.

This season’s production will be performed on Thursday March 9th and Friday March 10th at 7:30 PM. There will be a third matinee performance on Saturday March 11th at 2:00 PM. All shows have reserved seats and tickets may be purchased by calling 239-394-5579.

The theatre is located in the Great Room at Marco Lutheran Church, 525 N. Collier Blvd. Marco Island, FL 34145.

Cast includes Lisa Federico, Jean Rowles, Rick Marsico, Tom Ferent, Ryan Sullivan, Pattie Ziezig, Craig Greusel, and Frankie Federico.

The orchestra is conducted by Lucille Gaita, and The Tech Team is headed by Dave Tobiasz.