Only a few tickets are left for the opening night of the rollicking musical, the 25th Annual Putnum Spelling Bee, at Spotlight Theatre on May 15, 2009.

How do you spell HIT? 25th A-N-N-U-A-L P-U-T-N-U-M S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G B-E-E

How do you spell great night out? S-P-O-T-L-I-G-H-T T-H-E-A-T-R-E

Simple!

The Gold Coast premiere of the 25th Annual Putnum Spelling Bee at Spotlight Theatre in Benowa has everything a rollicking musical should have - wit and grace, heart and soul, charm and a bit of a bite.

The story follows six students, three adults who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, and different audience members each performance, as they try to spell their way to first prize.

The six actors play a cross-spectrum of kids, chock a block with the usual insecurities, angst and pre-pubescent awkwardness. They may be able to spell words you never thought existed, but they make it clear that it isn't easier growing up.

There is the sweet, shy girl, whose mother is at an ashram and father is not even in the audience to watch her. She finds solace in spelling, no more evident than in her song "My Friend the Dictionary".

Last year's winner is back, but this time his hormonal urges may just get in the way as it does make it hard to concentrate on spelling. There is the over achiever, who does not hesitate in telling you " I speak six languages", but is she truly happy?

There is also the precocious, politically aware contestant with two daddies, and a daffy kind-hearted kid who, as second runner up, is a befuddled replacement. To round out this group, there is a peanut intolerant boy who suffers from a rare mucus membrane disorder and has an unusual way of spelling.

Overseeing the contestants is a former spelling bee champion, a disgruntled vice principal and, to help them overcome the grief of losing, a counsellor is always at the ready with a hug and a juice box.

There will be two "parent-teacher" nights, which will be adults only performances, taking the bee to a whole new level.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee sees the long overdue return of Tony Alcock as Director and showcases the onstage talents of Adam Brunes, Marta French, Josh Lovell, Stewart Reeve, Ryan Wilson, Ashley Tardy, Anna Sofroniou, Rachael Robertson, Nathan Skaines and featuring Steffi Kriz and Timothy Wynn.Tony Alcock has 35 years theatre experience as an actor and director, including directing The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Twelfth Night Theatre in Brisbane in 2004, Australian and NZ tours of Dad's Army in 2004-2005 and Alo Alo in 2007. "There's lots of improv," Tony said. "Every night is a different show. It's not scripted and is the same basic structure. It's hilarious."

SEASON: 15th May to 13th June, with evening performances at 7.30pm and matinees at 2.00pm. "Parent-Teacher" nights - ADULT ONLY SHOWS are Friday 5th and 12th June at 7.30pm. Tickets range from $23 to $28. Opening night is a flat $33, which includes supper.

Book now by calling 5539 4255 or use the Spotlight Theatre online booking facility at www.spotlighttheatre.com.au Enjoy the show!