Watertown Lyric Theater Presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee May 29-31, 2025 – The Strand Theater

WATERTOWN – Get ready to laugh, spell, and maybe even shed a tear as Watertown Lyric Theater proudly  presents the Tony Award-winning musical comedy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, at the historic  Strand Theater in Watertown from May 29-31, 2025. This charming and witty musical follows six quirky  adolescents as they vie for the title of spelling bee champion. With each round, the pressure mounts, hilarious  and touching stories unfold, and unexpected life lessons are learned. 

Featuring a clever score by William Finn and a funny, heartfelt book by Rachel Sheinkin, The 25th Annual Putnam  County Spelling Bee offers a delightful and often humorous look at adolescence, containing some mature themes  and comedic moments that may be more appreciated by older teens and adults. 

“I'm thrilled to return to The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee after 15 years—this time from the other  side of the Director’s table,” remarked director Jonathan Cole. “On the surface, it’s a quirky, laugh-out-loud  comedy, but beneath that humor lies a heartfelt exploration of growing up, embracing our differences, and  realizing that success isn’t always about winning. It’s a touching tribute to imperfection, vulnerability, and the  wonderfully awkward beauty of adolescence.” 

Assistant Director Collin Zehr notes, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is exactly the kind of show our  community needs right now. After several years without adult musical theater opportunities, and in a world that  can feel especially heavy, this production offers a chance for all of us to come together, leave our worries at the  door, and share a good laugh.” 

Audiences can expect memorable performances, lively musical numbers, and the signature audience participation  element that makes each performance unique. Be prepared – you might just be called upon to spell! 

Performances are Thursday, May 29 through Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 7:00 pm. General admission tickets are  $20, Students, Seniors, Military are $15. Tickets can be purchased online at www.watertownlyrictheater.org.  Watertown Lyric Theater members are eligible for a special discount (please check your email for the exclusive  discount code to use when purchasing tickets online). 

For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.watertownlyrictheater.org.