Flint Township View

Flushing High School presents spring musical this weekend


FLUSHING — Flushing High School’s Music and Theatre departments will present the musical comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” this weekend at the William H. Tunnicliff Auditorium.

This year’s musical, based on a children’s book by Rachel Sheinkin and an award-winning Broadway play, centers on a fictional spelling bee and an eclectic group of sixth graders who are each eager to win for very different reasons. Sweet and shy Olive has only her best friend (the dictionary) to help her with the bee; bold and hyperallergic speller William Barfee uses his “magic foot” to propel him to greatness; former champion Chip is struggling with his burgeoning puberty; easily distracted Leaf is unconvinced that he’s smart enough to be a challenger; overachiever Marcy is disappointed by her consistent success; and politically aware Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre only wants to impress her dads.

In hilarious, touching and catchy songs, each speller reveals his/her hopes, struggles and passions as they make their way through the competition. Accompanied by an engaging score by William Finn, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” causes audiences to fall in love with the show itself and its “perspicacious,” “jocular” and “effervescent” spellers.

Performances will be held on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. In accordance with COVID-19 precautions, all audience members will be required to wear a mask and audience size will be limited based on current guidelines for social distancing.

Patrons are encouraged to purchase their tickets ahead of time by visiting whtauditorium.ludus.com/. B.G.