Players Club of Swarthmore Theater's THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Begins Today

Well, they can spell, but can they get a life? The Players Club of Swarthmore Theater invites audiences to laugh at the nerdy antics of some quirky spelling contestants, in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, directed by Chaz Meyers. These serious spellers hit the Players Club of Swarthmore stage for 10 performances: beginning today, March 20th to April 4th.

With a book by Rachel Sheinkin and music and lyrics by William Finn, this musical comedy showcases six overachieving teenagers who give their best in a chaotic spelling contest, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves. This show won the 2006 Tony Award for best book of a musical, and has since spread joy and disorder throughout America. One engaging aspect of the show is that four real audience members will be invited on stage to compete in the spelling bee alongside the six young characters.

Meyers (Media) has assembled talented singers and actors from around the region to bring the bee to the Players Club, including: Allison Gerrard (Garnet Valley), Matthew Prince (Media), Carlos Barrera (Wilmington), Sarah Kirk (Philadelphia), Brian Walsh (Drexel Hill), Sara Mingle (Upper Darby), Jessica Nichter (West Chester), Jared Paxson (Manayunk), and Danny Walsh (Aldan).

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee opens Friday, March 20, and runs through April 4. Thursday performances are at 7:30 PM, Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 PM and Sunday matinees are at 2:00 PM. Group rates (15 or more patrons) are available-consult the theater's website for information on prices, etc. Reservations can be made either online at www.pcstheater.org or by calling OvationTix customer service toll-free at 866-811-4111. Please note: this script contains adult language and themes, parental discretion is advised.

The Players Club's Mainstage space is a fully handicapped-accessible, 300-seat proscenium theater with plenty of free parking in the club's adjacent lot. The Mainstage is equipped with Assisted Listening devices and also offers a separate handicapped restroom facility. For more information about PCS - including upcoming events, shows, ticketing and directions, visit www.pcstheater.org.