North Texas Daily

Brittany Armstrong // Intern Writer

The UNT Theatre Department is presenting “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” in the University Theatre, opening Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

The musical will be performed again on April 19, 24 and 26. Daytime performances will be April 18 and 27 at 2:30 p.m.

The Tony Award-winning musical is about a group of awkward middle school children who are competing in the final round of a spelling bee for a spot in the national competition.

Guest Director Michael Serrecchia said the play is not only about the spelling bee, but the desire and aspirations people all have to make achievements.

“The universal truth is the individual need to excel at something,” he said.

The cast is comprised of 13 members, not including the crew. The actors have been rehearsing five days a week since the last week in February.

Theatre arts senior Caroline Dubberly plays Olive, a shy girl who has a deep passion for learning and language. Dubberly said she can relate to her character.

“Her passion for spelling is very similar to my passion for theatre and art,” she said.

Dubberly said there’s something for everyone to relate to in this musical.

“The audience can expect a lot of laughter and possibly some tears,” she said. “It just fills you with joy and then you really start to feel for all of the characters. I think they can expect a great time.”

Mary Thames, theatre arts junior and assistant director, said the audience will thoroughly enjoy the musical for the comedic elements as well.

“It is a hilarious show. It is just really, really funny,” she said.

Students can purchase tickets Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the box office in the RTFP Building for $10, or purchase them over the phone with a debit/credit card at (940) 565-2428. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office one hour before the show.