University of Victoria theatre students stage a spelling bee of award-winning proportions this month at the Phoenix Theatre.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee marks the return of renowned guest director and choreographer Jacques Lemay.
The Tony and Drama Desk award-winning musical follows the antics of six quirky adolescents as they navigate the highs and lows of the ultimate spelling showdown, each vying for the coveted title of spelling champion.
Audiences can expect unusual characters, challenging and potentially unreal words, touching stories from the contestants' home lives, catchy tunes, unexpected twists and opportunities for audience participation.
Lemay last directed The Drowsy Chaperone at UVic – dubbed a smashing success with sold-out audiences in 2018.
With an extensive background in Canadian theatre and international productions, Lemay has earned numerous accolades, including the Queen's Jubilee Medal. His impressive career spans roles as a consultant for the Canada Council for the Arts and various provincial and territorial arts councils. In 2021, Lemay was appointed to the Order of Canada for his outstanding contributions to the performing arts.
Phoenix Theatre presents the much-loved Broadway hit complete with a live band including piano and conducting by Heather Burns and Jim Hill.
Stephanie Sartore, fresh from work on the sold-out success Phoenix Theatre's 100 Years of Broadway, serves as music director.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is on stage in the Roger Bishop Theatre at Phoenix from Nov. 7 to 23. Tickets range from $18 to $34 and are available by phone at 250-721-8000 or in person at the Phoenix box office at UVic.
Learn more online at finearts.uvic.ca/theatre/mainstage.
