Ankeny Community Theatre Debuts Season With 'Spelling Bee' Comedy

ANKENY, IA. -- The first of six shows in the 2017-18 season of Ankeny Community Theatre will debut Oct. 6 when area actors bring "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" to the main stage. The theater group this year also will debut a Studio Series, featuring three one-act productions.

All productions on the main stage this season also will have a seven-performance run, with shows Friday through Sunday the first week and Thursday through Sunday on the second week.

Susan Hamel directs "Putnam County," with musical direction by Charissa Hamel. The show is about six almost-teenagers who vie for top honors in what is considered the spelling championship of a lifetime. "While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming 'ding' of the bell that signals a spelling mistake," the show's publicity information says.

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"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 8. The musical comedy is rated PG-13. Buy tickets online or call Midwestix at 515-244-2771 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.