Here’s an alternative, family entertainment for December.
There’s something fascinating and horrible and downright scary about spelling bees, as anyone who’s ever participated in one will attest. The subject proved so fascinating, in fact, that it became a hit 2004 off-Broadway/2005 Broadway musical titled “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” conceived by Rebecca Feldman featuring music and lyrics by William Finn, who wrote “Falsettos,” and a book by Rachel Sheinkin, who received a Tony Award for her efforts.
Presented by Broadway/San Diego, the touring production of the Tony Award-winning “Spelling Bee” plays Dec. 5-10 at the Civic Theatre (3rd and B St., 1100 Third Ave.) The musical rated high with the Wall Street Journal, which called it “perfect in every possible way ” that rarity of rarities, a super-smart musical that is also a bona fide crowd pleaser. An ingenious blend of simplicity and sophistication, it’s not merely funny, it’s wise.”
James Lapine’s staging, wisdom and Finn’s music/lyrics aside, there’s a gimmick: Prior to each performance, four audience members are selected to participate as guest spellers (some people will do anything for a moment of fame!) Needless to say, the results lend an element of uncertainty, surprise and hilarity to the proceedings.
The onstage paid participants are actors Katie Boren, Miguel Cervantes, Alan H. Green, James Kall, Eric Petersen, Jennifer Simard, Sarah Stiles, Lauren Worsham, and Michael Zahler.
Tickets ($19-$69) for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” may be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com, www.broadwaysd.com or by calling (619) 220-TIXS. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 5) and Thursday, 7 p.m. Wednesday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday.