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Lycoming College will open its 2024-25 theatre season with the “E-N-T-E-R-T-A-I-N-I-N-G” and “D-E-L-I-G-H-T-F-U-L” musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” The production will take place at the Mary L. Welch Theatre, Nov. 13-16, with all shows beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available to purchase beginning Wednesday, Oct. 23, at http://www.bigtickets.com/events/lycoming-college.
The Tony Award-winning musical is a comedic celebration of eccentricity and the quirks that make everyone unique. Follow the journey of six adolescents competing in a regional spelling bee as they navigate the pressures of competition, while revealing their hopes, fears, and unique personalities. Prepare to be spellbound by the charm and hilarity of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."
Based on the book by Rachel Sheinkin, with music and lyrics by William Finn, the production is directed by Matt Ripa, visiting assistant professor of theatre at Lycoming College. The cast features the following Lycoming College students:
- Rona Lisa Peretti played by Olivia DiFraia ’27, biology major and theatre minor from Billerica, Mass.
- Vice Principal Doug Panch played by Gale Hall ’26, creative writing, theatre, and English literature triple major from Kingston, Pa.
- Mitch Mahoney played by Rachel Wright ’25, theatre major and criminal justice minor from Bay Shore, N.Y.
- Chip Tolentino played by Doug Dixey ’25, theatre major and music minor from Bensalem, Pa.
- Logainne Schwartzandgrubeniere (Schwartzy) played by Julz Martin ’25, art major with minors in philosophy and theatre with education certification from Mountain Top, Pa.
- Leaf Coneybear played by Thatcher Gunnells ’25, creative writing and theatre double major from Williamsport
- William Barfee played by Chayton Wesneski ’25, creative writing major and theatre minor from Canton, Pa.
- Marcy Park played by Gabriella Fugon ’26, theatre major and photography minor from Shenandoah, Pa.
- Olive Ostrovsky played by Hannah Bailey Martin ’25, psychology major and Spanish minor with education certification from Edison, N.J.
- Jesus Christ and others played by Olivia Weaver ’27, theatre major from West Milton, Pa.
“I'm thrilled to bring to life a musical that not only celebrates the diversity and quirks of its characters, but also highlights the joy and challenges of growing up. ‘Spelling Bee’ invites the audience to get in on the action and makes this musical feel like a community event,” said Ripa.
Tickets for Lyco students and faculty are complimentary, but seats must be reserved through bigtickets ahead of time. General admission tickets are $10. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is licensed by and presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), and all authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (www.mtishows.com).
Lycoming’s theatre program is full of opportunities for practical experience. Students flourish as they explore concentrations in acting, directing, musical theatre, design/technology, and stage management. As early as freshman year, students are encouraged to audition for shows and become involved in productions. The curriculum combines practical training in every aspect of theatre with a look back at the history and literature that has shaped theatre as an art form. More information on theatre at Lycoming College can be found at: https://www.lycoming.edu/theatre.