M-U-S-I-C-A-L C-O-M-E-D-Y … Del Mar Drama presents “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (UPDATED)
Tony Award-winning musical comedy runs April 18-20 and 26-27 in Sue Sellors Finley Theater; online ticket sales available
Article by Melinda Eddleman
(Updated April 12, 2024)
(Updated April 15, 2024)
Can you spell “musical comedy?”
April marks the first time since 2018 that Del Mar Drama has produced a musical. For a three-weekend run, audiences can laugh and spell during the Del Mar College (DMC) Drama Program’s production of the musical comedy, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” now scheduled April 18-20 and 26-27.
First performed on Broadway in 2005, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” isn’t a typical musical as the line between audience and performers is frequently crossed.
Some members of the audience are given the opportunity to match their spelling skills against the young contestants. It adds an element of charm and surprise that makes every performance unique.
The Tony Award-winning musical follows six quirky adolescent contestants and three moderators at a spelling bee in the regionally ambiguous Putnam County. As the bee progresses, audience members will learn about the characters’ lives and backstories through songs and montages during this coming-of-age story with as much heart as humor.
Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Sue Sellors Finley Theatre, located in the Fine Arts Center on the Heritage Campus (101 Baldwin Blvd., 78404). Get online directions and campus map.
Online ticket sales are available (delmardrama.ludus.com/) with the Finley Theatre Box Office opening one hour before each performance for available day-of-show ticket purchases. Tickets are $15 for general admission; $10 for seniors, military and DMC employees; and $5 for DMC students with a valid ID. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is rated PG-13 due to mature content.
April 18 (Thursday) is Student Night when any local student with a valid student I.D. can attend the performance for free, along with a post-production reception in the lobby.
For more information, contact Del Mar Drama at 361-698-1216 or drama@delmar.edu.
Details about cast, crew and credits are available at delmar.edu/offices/drama/theatres.html.
A downloadable poster in PDF format is available in the upper right-hand corner above “CONTACTS.”
UPDATE: Listen to the story about the production by on-air host Dee Dee Jones with South Texas Public Broadcasting KEDT 90.3 FM. Her story aired at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10. Click on the audio track below:
Play audio file
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.