CC Theatre to present the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

The Coal City Theatre Department is hosting a unique fundraiser, an event designed to generate financial support for its educational trip to New York City, through a special performance of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Just like a spelling bee, this event promises charm, laughter, and a little friendly competition.
Community members are invited to enjoy the show and support the arts in a fun, memorable way at performances set for Saturday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 in the Coal City Performing Arts Center.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee focuses on six diverse and awkward adolescents competing in their countywide Spelling Bee, sharing their individual stories while spelling difficult words.
Lives filled with hope among the pressure of being successful, fitting in, complicated relationships and being their true selves.
The main spellers will take the stage to present the Tony Award winning musical that features a full cast of 19 students—Isabella Byers, Isabella Bartholomew, Maxx Kramer, Olivia Sage, Jordan Olson, Penny D’Arcy, Theo Fritz, Mason Hamilton, Alex Collins, Caroline Childers, Martin Ramirez, Jack Steinhouse, Wyatt Chase, Evelyn Wills, Gianna Savarino, Gabby VanDuyne, Lexi Dearth, Charlotte Banks and Cora Armstrong.
As a group, the characters create a world that is both hilarious and heartfelt. Their contrasting
personalities highlight the many ways young people navigate competition,
friendship, and self-discovery, the adults, too. As an ensemble, the cast demonstrates that the Spelling Bee is about far more than individual words.
Moderating the Bee is Isabella Byers in the role of Rona Lisa Peretti. She is joined at the table by vice principal Douglas Panch, played by Mason Hamilton, the Bee’s word pronouncer.
At this bee, a speller may ask questions about the word’s pronunciation, definition, how it's used in a sentence and language or origin. If they misspell a word a bell will ring and they will be escorted off the stage by the comfort counselor, a role being filled by Alex Collins.
Living out their dreams, the spellers are—Chip Tolentino, played by Theo Fritz, Logainne Schwartzandgrubennier, portrayed by Olivia Sage, Leaf Coneybear, played by Jordan Olson, Marcy Park, portrayed by Penny D’Arcy, Olive Ostrovsky, played by Isabella Bartholomew, and William Barfee, played by Maxx Kramer.
All proceeds from the production will support the theatre department’s upcoming spring break educational trip to New York City. The four day trip will include master classes with industry professionals across multiple theatrical fields, tours of performance venues, and historical sites, as well as attending Broadway shows and a chance to experience the city’s theatre district, known as the “Great White Way.”
“Opportunities like this give our students a broad perspective on the theatre industry, allowing them to experience the excitement of Broadway, connect with theatre professionals, and enjoy a live Broadway performance,” said Coal City Theatre Department Director/Producer Jack Micetich, adding, “Performances like this weekend’s fundraising show allow students to showcase their passion for theatre while raising the funds needed to participate in experiences such as the upcoming New York trip.”
Tickets for the show are $10 per person and available in advance at bit.ly/CoalCityTheatreDept [1]
Tickets will also be available at the door [cash only] beginning an hour prior to each scheduled performance.
“Supporting this fundraiser is investing directly in opportunities that inspire creativity, build confidence and enrich the lives of our students. In attending the show, audience members are not only helping to fund a single trip for 45 students, but helping to shape futures andstrengthen arts education in our community,” Micetich said.