I haven’t laughed that hard at a musical production as I did watching Village Theatre’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. This is one hilarious show and one not to be missed. Featuring a unique premise, upbeat original musical and a stellar cast, spelling has never been so fun.

Unlike many of today’s modern musicals, Spelling Bee is not based on a previously made movie or rock band. This show is totally original with music and lyrics by William Finn, a book by Rachel Sheinkin, conceived by Rebecca Feldman with additional material by Jay Reiss. And unlike many original modern musicals, most of Spelling Bee’s numbers are actually entertaining. Overall, this show is nontraditional and a refreshing change.

The fictional story centers on 10 young students who have winners at their local spelling bees and have come to Putnam Valley for a chance to gain fame and a trip to Washington D.C. to compete in the National Spelling Bee. The losers get a juice box and hug from the “comfort counselor.” While six of these students are played by professional actors, four of them are brought on stage from the audience to compete with the other kids. It’s a fantastic gimmick.

When you enter the lobby of the Everett Performing Arts Center, there is a table for guests to sign up to become part of the Bee. Out of all names, four are chosen, called up from the audience onto the stage, given numbers and then sit with the rest of their “classmates.” And yes, they are called upon to spell words in front of everyone.

The rest of the cast includes Rona Lisa Perretti (the always good to see Jessica Skerritt) a former Spelling Bee champ and presenter of the Putnam Valley’s production. She is joined by Vice Principle Douglas Panch (Brian Lange), a judge who has been absent from the Spelling Bee scene for a while due to a nervous breakdown, and Comfort Counselor Mitch Mahoney who is using this event to help complete his community service requirement.

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The six remaining kids include:

• Chip Tolentino (Justin Huertas) — a leading boy scout with too many badges to count. He wins everything. This is until part of his body betrays him.
• Marcy Park (Arika Matoba) — a child prodigy of just about everything. The bee feels more like a job to her.
• Leaf Coneybear (Rafael Molina) — a “special” kid who is hyper and can’t stay on task. He thinks of himself as dumb but in reality, is actually very smart.
• Olive Ostrovsky (Taylor Niemeyer) — an outgoing yet lonely girl who’s best friend is the dictionary. Her mother couldn’t attend the Spelling Bee because she is out of the country trying to find herself and her father will get there “just as soon as he gets off work.”
• Logainne Schwartzand-Grubenniere (Sarah Russell) — a stressed girl worried that she will lose and will let her two dads down.
• William Barfee (MJ Sieber) — a nerdy, self-confident boy who spells words out with his shoes before answering.

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Spelling Bee is directed by Brandon Ivie and features another amazing set design by Julia B. Franz. You would think that a show about such an event would be boring, but it isn’t. Not at all. Almost every word to be spelled is a punchline in itself and there is are warmhearted elements as well. Even the most annoying kid will win your heart over before the show is over. It was amazing to see how the audience became connected to these characters. When one would misspell a word and was sent packing, there were actually some in the audience who gasped in surprise!

Spelling Bee is almost a perfect show. Even though the show begins a quick and moves along nicely, the pace eventually slows to a crawl. The fact that the show presented without an intermission only emphasizes that. Every character has their own song to sing in addition to the group songs. Most of these are pleasant and move the show along. However, near the last third, Spelling Bee seems to lose focus a bit throwing in some angst with a couple of numbers including one very long song featuring Olive daydreaming about her parents actually attending the contest, but of course they are not there. It just doesn’t fit the wit or humor of the rest of the production. It really the show’s only flaw. When the winner is crowned, you’re really happy for them — even if they are fictional kids.

A note worth mentioning: Even though Spelling Bee features a bunch of kids, the show isn’t suited for most families. There is some language and some topics mentioned that are inappropriate for young ears. At the very least, young children will probably be bored with the show anyway so do yourself a favor and get a sitter.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee continues at the Everett Performing Arts Center through November 17, 2019. Tickets range from $35-$75 and can be purchased at Village Theatre’s website, over the phone, or by visiting the Box Office. 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett, WA 98201.