Missouri Western State University’s Theatre Season began last week with a spelling bee. 

The Department of Theatre, Cinema and Dance at Missouri Western will present “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” again this weekend. 

Missouri Western Associate Professor of Theatre Tee Quillin said the performance is a musical comedy, but also features some bittersweet moments as it’s about growing up. 

“This is a fun show, it’s literally the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Quillin said. “It’s a spelling bee, a bunch of kids that get up and we’re going to see the different things that go on inside their heads while they’re up there going through everything that they go through for the spelling bee.” 

Kelsey Garber plays Olive in the show. Garber said her character is shy and loves words. 

“She likes reading the dictionary and likes rhyming and anagrams and things like that, that’s something she takes comfort in,” Garber said. “As the show goes on, you kind of get to see her come out of that shell a little bit and grow into a more confident and mature adult. Most of the characters go through a journey similar to that, that’s kind of the foundation of the show is watching these kids go from these very young immature kids to becoming something bigger and more mature.” 

Other performances that will be part of Missouri Western’s 2016-2017 theatre season include Blur, December 1-4, Macbeth, February 24-26 and March 2-4 and The Wedding Singer, April 21-23 and 27-29. 

The second weekend of performances of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” take place at 7:30 each night on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Potter Hall Theatre on the Missouri Western campus.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or by clicking here.