Hathaway Brown Theatre Institute - summer 2018 Production Season The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Music and Lyrics by WILLIAM FINN Book by RACHEL SHEINKIN Conceived by REBECCA FELDMAN July 27-August 5, 2018 Directed by Dan Hendrock Music Directed by John Krol Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents 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 the winner! At least the losers get a juice box. A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, *The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee* is a den of comedic genius. Performances are Friday and Saturday, July 27, July 28, August 3 and August 4 at 7:30 pm; and Sunday July 29 and August 5 at 2:00 PM. The show is presented at the Hathaway Brown School, 19600 North Park Blvd., Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122. Tickets are $11-15 and can be purchased online at www.hb.edu/tickets, by calling 216-932-4214 x7270 or at the door (if available) the day of the performance. Directed by Dan Hendrock, *Spelling Bee* will also feature musical direction by John Krol, set and lighting design by T. Paul Lowry, costumes by Chialla Geib Fenske and sound design by Carlton Guc. *The 25th Annual Putnam Count Spelling Bee* boasts a cast of talented HBTI students from all over North East Ohio. ​N​ ow in its sixth year, The Hathaway Brown Theatre Institute was ​ ​ created by the Performing Arts Department of the Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights. This co-ed program is for students entering 1st grade – college offering coursework in drama, dance and music. HBTI provides high-level training from working artists to young people interested in the performing arts, as well as professional-level production experiences. Students of HBTI's staff of professional artists have gone on to perform on Broadway, in national touring companies, regional theatre, and in film, commercials and television. Visit www.hb.edu for complete description of dates, courses and registration as well as a listing of HB's many other summer offerings. For more information, contact: Bebe Weinberg Katz, Director- Hathaway Brown Theatre Institute School, bkatz@hb.edu ​