Bee there! ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ at EHS

Emerson Jr.-Sr. High School invites you to "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Front to back and left to right: Billy Bollbach, Emily Butler, Sarah Walsh, Sherry Hausman, Olivia Burns, Will Nienstedt, Katie Tenebruso, Cali Marck, Charlie Princing, James Nienstedt, Isabella Hassett, Kaitlyn Legaspi, Katelyn DeMarco, Alicia Gadek, Ben Peare, Diana Tamayo, Madison Ostroff, and Cricket Karathomas. Not pictured: Madeline Praschil. (Courtesy photo)

EMERSON—Students from Emerson Jr.-Sr. High School invite you to their production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” with music and lyrics by William Finn, book by Rachel Sheinkin, concept by Rebecca Feldman, and additional material by Jay Reiss.

This heartfelt musical comedy is promised to have you in stitches as a group of six ragtag kids from “Putnam Valley Middle School” compete in a high-spirited spelling bee. Pandemonium ensues as they vie for the top spot, and spell their way to nationals. High-stakes competition puts each of the contestants at the mic and in the spotlight as we learn about their hilarious and touching stories.

An unusual aspect of the show: four Bergen County audience members are invited on stage to compete in the spelling bee as well. Who’ll go up?

Emerson’s musical production, co-directed and choreographed by Bill Ullman, Lisa Ullman, and Alyssa Fox, is presented with a special arrangement from Music Theater International, MTI.

Shows are March 4, 5, 11, and 12 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances Sunday, March 6 and Saturday, March 12 at 2 p.m. All shows are at the high school, 131 Main St.

The Saturday, March 12 matinee is available to Emerson senior citizens free of charge. Adult ticket price is $15; Emerson student tickets are $5 if purchased in advance; student tickets are $10 at the door. For tickets, visit payschoolsevents.com/events/details/19274.

For more information, call Ro DeFlora, Emerson Jr. Sr. High School, at (201) 262-4447 ext. 1302.