Spelling Bee

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Zachary Scott Theater’s newest musical comedy gives audience members an enjoyable look into the heart of one of America’s favorite academic pastimes, the spelling bee. Each night the actors pull four audience members. In this particular show’s case, they were all Bowie High School students. They then pit them against each other and the actors in a spell-off, with hilarious results. The spelling bee contestants are even rewarded with a juice box. Nominated for six Tony Awards, “Spelling Bee” is a slightly offbeat musical. Its tunes are catchy, and the cast’s vocal talent makes it hard to believe that you are not on Broadway. The play tells the story of six regional champion spellers competing for the chance to travel to Washington, D.C., and have a shot in the national spelling bee. The characters have their unique quirks, such as in one case a magic foot, and all endear themselves to the audience by the end of the show. The play runs until Oct. 25, and ticket prices range from $38-$44. However, the theater offers a special Student Rush rate of $17 for tickets bought one hour prior to curtain times. Tickets can be purchased through zachtheatre.org. The theater is located at 1510 Toomey Road, Austin, TX 78704.