Posted 3:48 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, 2019

'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' encore set.
'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' encore set
The UW-La Crosse Department of Theatre Arts will give an encore performance of the musical comedy, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Winner of the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical, the show celebrates an eclectic group of six teenagers vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Ticket sale proceeds from the encore performances will go toward scholarships for UWL Theatre students. "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 6 and 7, in Toland Theatre, Center for the Arts, 333 N. 16th St.
At the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, students file into the auditorium hoping to become the next champion of the very prestigious spelling bee. Rona, the host and 3rd annual Putnam champion, introduces the students. William Barfee spells his words correctly with the help of his “magic” waggling foot; Olive, the new girl with the absent parents has a drive to prove herself; and Marcy, a very gifted young lady, struggles with an unfortunate lisp. The tweens spell their way through a series of ridiculous words, hoping to never hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a mistake. With each contestant eliminated the pressure rises and the children must discover what it means to be a winner.
Tickets are on sale at www.uwlax.edu/theatre-arts. In-person and phone ticket sales begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, in the Box Office, first floor of the Center for the Arts. Box office hours are 1-4:30 p.m. weekdays and one hour before each show. Tickets are $15 for UWL students, $22 for other students and senior citizens, and $25 for others. For tickets, call 608.785.8522. Ticket proceeds support UWL theatre student scholarships. Seating is general admission.
IF YOU GO:
WHO: UW-La Crosse Department of Theatre Arts
WHAT: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
WHERE: Toland Theatre, UW-La Crosse Center for the Arts, 333 N. 16th St.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6 & 7
COST: Tickets are $15 for UWL students, $22 for other students and senior citizens, and $25 for others. Tickets are on sale at www.uwlax.edu/theatre-arts. In-person and phone ticket sales begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, in the Box Office, first floor of the Center for the Arts. Box office hours are 1-4:30 p.m. weekdays and one hour before each show. For tickets, call 608.785.8522. Ticket proceeds support UWL theatre student scholarships. Seating is general admission.
CAST: Gabe Burdette, Lauren Hanson, Gabe Ross, Avery Gerstenberger, Delaney Scudella, Violet Englebert, Sarah Lambert, Alec Berchem, Grant Latus, and Maddie Stoffel
PRODUCTION TEAM: Mary Leonard (Director), Kathryn Moran (Musical Director), Laurie Kincman (Stage Manager), Joe Anderson (Costume Designer), Ben Golden (Scenic & Lighting Designer), Emily Ludewig (Sound Designer), Delaney Scudella (Choreographer)