The West Virginia University School of Theatre & Dance will present “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”, a one-act musical comedy, Nov. 3-6.

The production focuses on a fictional spelling bee with quirky adolescents competing for the top prize. The audience will experience the characters’ inner struggles and the pressure placed on them, following each character on their journey to find success.

A show based on audience engagement, select audience members will be asked to join the characters on stage as spelling bee participants, adding to the hilarity.

“The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” has been a favorite of audiences around the world and received two Tony Awards. The show has elicited productions in the United States, Canada and Australia.

The production is part of WVU’s new Falbo Workshop Series, developed at the onset of the recently formed bachelor’s degree in musical theatre. The series creates niche performance opportunities for students.

“The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is directed by General McArthur Hambrick, assistant professor of dance. The cast includes WVU students Casey Johnson, Lindsey Wayne, Alex Brown, Hunter Nolan, Elisabeth Schiffbauer, Marissa Bailey, Katherine Conklin, Alec Tincher and Luigi Pagano.

Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3-5 and 3 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Falbo Theatre at the Creative Arts Center. Tickets are available for purchase through the WVU Box Office at 304-293-SHOW or by visiting Ticketmaster.