Six awkward spelling champions learn that winning (and losing) isn’t everything in the “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
Endless Mountains Theatre Company brings this award-winning musical comedy to the stage this summer with performances slated for Friday, July 31, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1, 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 2, at 2 p.m., at the Montrose Movie Theater, 38 Public Ave., Montrose. The box office will open one-half hour before show time; concessions are available.

Six youngsters vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of words hoping to never hear the soul-crushing “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake.

Will the 24th Bee winner Chip Tolentino (Gavin Herman) be able to defend his title this year up against the challengers?:
Logainne Schwartzandgrubbeniere (Skylar Secord) the youngest and most politically aware speller;
Leaf Coneybear (Logan Sauls) the homeschooler with a family of former hippies who spells while in a trance;
William Barfee (Eli Sauls) a finalist in the 24th Bee, with his “one foot” method, he’s back to win;
Marcy Park (dual cast with Autumn Calegari and Sarah Raub) a transfer from Virginia who placed ninth at nationals, speaks six languages, and is not allowed to cry; and
Olive Ostrovsky (Amanda Rispoli) a newcomer in the competitive spelling world with neglectful parents. She became friends with the dictionary at a young age.

Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a winner. At least the losers get a juice box – provided by comfort counselor Mitch Mahoney (Bonnie Love-Colwell).

Former champion Rona Lisa Peretti (Jasentha Van Nort) serves as the moderator; and Vice Principal Doug Panch (Bob DeLuca) is the judge after taking a five-year sabbatical following an “incident” at the 20th annual spelling bee.

Select members of the audience will get to go along for the ride with a chance to compete for the top prize – a trip to the national spelling stage.
EMTC’s production is being directed by Caleb Park with Sandra Raub serving as executive producer.

Tickets are available at the door and are $12 for adults; and $10 for seniors and students. Due to some adult content, this show may not be suitable for young audiences.