'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' at Playhouse 22

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 life, the tweens spell their way through a series of [potentially made-up] words hoping to never hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

Playhouse 22's production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" opens February 5, and will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 21. Tickets cost $22 per adult and $20 per student or senior.

The show features Katy Widmer as Olive, Julie Stein as Logainne, Jenny Weiner as Rona, Maria Aromando as Marcy, Anthony Competello as Barfee, Stephen Belfatti as Mitch, Brett Hennessey Jones as Chip, Jack Tomy as Leaf and Patrick Andrae as Panch. It is directed by Mark Kalet.

To purchase tickets, click here. Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.