EBOS is in for a spell of musical comedy
CONTINUING its 70th birthday celebrations, EBOS presents a musical comedy it describes as fun, energetic and beautiful.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be performed in Wokingham this month.
Set in a fictional county somewhere in America, the story centres around a competition to find the most impressive speller, with a group of sixth-graders all eager to win.
The competitors are very diverse, and each has their own reason for wanting to be the champion.
Olive’s best friend is her dictionary, William struggles with allergies,
Chip is having problems coping with puberty, Leaf is easily distracted, Marcy is an overachiever, and Logainne just wants to impress her dads.
Each one reveals their hopes and struggles in a series of funny, poignant and catchy songs.
Cast member Thomas Joy says: “This show is such an underrated gem.
“A spelling bee might sound like an odd topic for a musical, but it’s a fastpaced show with a lot of moving parts.
“It’s witty, funny, utterly mad, but also quite poignant in places.
“It’s a real treat!”
The score is by William Finn, and the book by Rachel Sheinkin.
EBOS hopes to appeal to the hidden child within everyone, with audiences encouraged to fall in love with the show and with each of the memorable spellers.
It also promises an exciting opportunity for audience members to get involved in the show themselves.
The details are kept secret, but audiences will be invited to join the ‘big kids’ on stage, so people may wish to brush up on their spelling beforehand.
Director Emily Burton says: “I am beyond excited to be bringing this show to the stage with EBOS.
“An incredible cast brings this wonderful musical to life.
“I can’t wait for people to hear the powerful and beautiful harmonies, and to see the sweet, odd and funny characters the performers have perfected.”
Originally performed in Broadway in 2008, the show made its West End debut in 2011.
The Wokingham based company brings this much loved musical to the Whitty Theatre, in Luckley School, Wokingham.
The production runs from Tuesday, August 9, through to Saturday August 13. It starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £18.
For tickets and information log on to: www.ebos.org.uk