Bee returns for the holidays

MANILA, Philippines - The 12th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee returns for a limited holiday season repeat run from Dec. 4 to 13 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Spelling Bee has already had three hit runs this year, including a run in Singapore’s Victoria Theatre last August. The musical centers around a fictional spelling bee in Putnam County, New York. Six kids in the throes of puberty face off in the battle of their lives. They compete against each other as well as members of the audience. Three adults help adjudicate the proceedings: A nostalgic former spelling bee winner, a mildly insane Vice Principal and The Official Comfort Counselor completing his community service to the state of New York.

Spelling Bee has a Tony Award winning book by Rachel Sheinkin and music and lyrics by Tony Award winner William Finn.

No two Spelling Bee shows are ever alike, as it will feature “starring roles” each night for two volunteer audience members and two surprise celebrity guest spellers.   There will also be a special one-night-only R-rated run on Dec. 5, 8 p.m., featuring adult words and sentences guaranteed to make everyone laugh. Celebrities who made surprise appearances in the musical were Lea Salonga, Eugene Domingo, Jett Pangan, Erik Santos, Mark Bautista, Cherie Gil, Sen. Chiz Escudero and KC Concepcion. Atlantis Productions brings back Spelling Bee stellar cast of Cathy Azanza-Dy, Pheona Baranda, Johann dela Fuente, Carla Guevarra-Laforteza, Lorenz Martinez, Noel Rayos, Felix Rivera, Joel Trinidad and Shiela Valderrama-Martinez.

It is directed by Bobby Garcia, choreography by Chari Arespacochaga, set design by Tuxqs Rutaquio, lighting design by Johnsy Reyes, costume design by Twinkle Zamora, vocal coaching by ManMan Angsico and musical direction by Jojo Malferari. For details, call 892-7078 or 840-1187.