By Tom Ganser
Correspondent
The Whitewater High School Players open the 2018-19 season with “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
Performances are Nov. 15-17 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in the WHS auditorium.
Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk awards for best book, “Spelling Bee” has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor.
The riotous ride comes complete with audience participation and is based on Rachel Sheinkin’s wildly funny and touching book and William Finn’s fresh and vibrant score, making it an unforgettable experience.
The story features an eclectic group of tweens vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the adorable kids 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. At least the losers get a juice box.
Jim McCulloch and Liz Elliott direct “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Lynn Lema choreographs the production, and Francesca Hanson directs the pit band.
The talented cast and crew include Henry Bresser, Angie McKelvey, Weston Lema, Carter Waelchli, Ella Willman, Lauren Harkness, Nicole Sedmak, Caleb Bols, Alec Holt, Jul Boss, Maggie Jay, Gio Anello, Colin Chenoweth, Sophie Mayer, Maddie Elworthy, Madison Strickler and Audrey Mayer.
Putting their technical stage skills to the test are Cally Julson, Josie Hintz, Emma Van Daele, David Kromholz, Jordyn Korf, Jared Clapper, Dakota Isbell, Bailee Korf, Morgan Janovec, Jake Hintz and Jack Mayer.
Tickets are available by calling the Whitewater High School box office at 262-472-8178 or can be purchased at the door. Tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for students. All seats are reserved.
