Tony Award-winning musical opens Feb. 28 at Ripon College

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a Tony Award-wining musical, will be performed by the Ripon College Department of Theatre and Department of Music at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 1-3. The show will be performed in Benstead Theatre, C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts.

This modern musical is a blend of music and comic improvisation that follows six young spellers through the trials and tribulations of the middle school spelling bee. The musical is a very funny and touching look at this unique competition. Because of some language, the play is suited to a mature audience.
The musical is about awkward youngsters learning the purpose, pain and fun in competing in the regional spelling bee. The book was written by Rachel Sheinkin, with music and lyrics by William Finn.

Tickets for the musical are free, but reservations are recommended by calling 920-748-8791 or emailing [email protected].

• The cast includes: Michaellena “Mikey” Ambrowiak ’19 of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Madeleine Craig ’20 of West Bend, Wisconsin; Coral Eakins ’19 of Margate, Florida; David Firari ’18 of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin; Ethan Freiermuth ’19 of Prairie Fam, Wisconsin; Bailey Jerrick ’20 of Stoughton, Wisconsin; Ryan Krogsgaard ’20 of Fort Worth, Texas; Thomas Phillipsen ’19 of Waupaca, Wisconsin; Maria Reber ’21 of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin; Owen Reynolds ’18 of Wales, Wisconsin; DeShawn Thomas ’20 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Sophie Widman ’18 of Boulder Creek, California.
• James Balistreri ’19 of Plymouth, Wisconsin, is the assistant director/ stage manager and designed the lighting. The musical is directed by Professor of Theatre Kenneth Hill. Set design is by Professor of Theatre Robert Amsden, and costume design is by Susan McDaniel Hill.
• Members of the band are Maria Dietrich, adjunct instructor of music; Erik Dietrich, bass; Kate Myszewski ’19 of Appleton, Wisconsin, clarinet and saxophone; and Mackenzie Skumatz ’19 of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, flute. The band is directed by Professor of Music Kurt Dietrich, and the vocal director is Meghan Hilker, adjunct instructor of music.