Croswell kicks off 2024 with ’25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’

Luke Barden as nervous speller Leaf and Lila Brighton as spelling bee judge Rona, foreground, perform a scene with cast members of ”The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at the Croswell Opera House.
Luke Barden as nervous speller Leaf and Lila Brighton as spelling bee judge Rona, foreground, perform a scene with cast members of ”The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at the Croswell Opera House. (Photo by Lad Strayer)

The Croswell Opera House kicks off its 2024 season this weekend with its annual all-area high school musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

This offbeat comedy — complete with audience participation — features an eclectic group of six middle-schoolers vying for a spelling championship.

In the cast are Trent Aneed, Lila Brighton, Tyler Condon, Jenna Ferguson, Brenna Gifford, Aiden Ketola, Eliott Powers, Nicholas Trevino and Hallie Yuen (Adrian High School); Izzie Medley (Blissfield High School); Camdenne Kruse (Clinton High School); Andrew Landingham (homeschool); Madeline Bough (Hudson High School); Emilia Parker (Lenawee Christian School); Chance Adkins and Alex Pizaña (Madison High School); Abigail Lipsitz and Lana Wagner (Saline High School); Mylee Strock (Sylvania Southview); and Luke Barden, Wynter Osstifin, and Macy Schmidt (Tecumseh High School). 

The show is directed by John MacNaughton, with choreography by Jessica Briggs, vocal direction by Gabriel Hagedorn, and music direction by Kevin S. Foster. The stage manager is Madelynn Ketola.

Tickets are $12 to $25 for adults and $12 for students. 

Dates and times are:

  • Saturday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Jan. 28 at 2:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are available by calling 517-264-7469 or going to croswell.org.

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