Willowbrook Theatre to present fall musical, ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’

Pictured above, Willowbrook students rehearse and prepare the set for the school's upcoming fall musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” 

Willowbrook Theatre invites all stakeholders to test their vocabulary skills and enjoy a one-of-a-kind, engaging production as the school presents its fall musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” 

According to https://www.mtishows.com/the-25th-annual-putnam-county-spelling-bee, the musical follows “an eclectic group of six mid-pubescents [as they] vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming ‘ding’ of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion!”

Willowbrook senior Sophia Merchant (who plays Vice Principal Douglas Panch) and junior Caitlyn Burkeen (who plays Rona Lisa Peretti) said audience members can expect a show that’s “immersive and intriguing” – and they might even join the cast up on stage!

They added each performance is different, as the storyline varies depending on audience participation. They said each character has a significant role, and you find yourself connecting with and rooting for certain ones.

“One of the key messages is that we all have our quirks and challenges in life – so while we’re each unique, we also have a lot in common,” Merchant and Burkeen said.

Willowbrook Theatre Director Regina Wathier said she selected this show because the strong ensemble cast provides an opportunity for the students to develop characters with unique personalities and backgrounds, and it allows the crew to focus on specific areas to enhance their skills.

“I would love for the audience to participate, have fun and possibly learn some new vocabulary!” Wathier said.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”

When: 7 p.m. on Nov. 14, 15 and 16, 2024

Where: Willowbrook High School, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave. in Villa Park

Tickets: 

• $10 for adults (13 years old and older)
  
  
• $5 for children (12 years old and younger)
  
  
• Free for those with a District 88 student ID or a District 88 Senior Gold Card
  
  
• Family passes won’t be accepted
  
  
• Tickets can be ordered online (scan the QR code on the poster above, or go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/15745)
  
  
• Tickets also can be bought at the Box Office, which will open 30 minutes before each performance

Kiwanis Club of Villa Park Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser: 5 to 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 15 – To see details, including ticket prices, go to https://k08659.site.kiwanis.org/annual-spaghetti-dinner-fundraiser/.

For questions or more information: Contact Willowbrook Theatre Director Regina Wathier at rwathier@dupage88.net