Tony Award-winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee performaces November 18, 19, 20 in Grayslake

Only one speller can take home the grand prize, but everyone wins as Encore! at Grayslake Central High School presents the Tony Award-winning 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee during 4 performances Nov. 18 - 20.

Six spelling champions learn that winning (and losing) isn't everything in this rollicking musical from Rachel Sheinkin and William Finn. The bizarre personality quirks and pubescent challenges of the misfit contestants are revealed as they face off over outrageous words until one student is named champion of the 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Director Maureen Ritter is excited to bring this hilarious musical romp to Grayslake Central High School.

"This vocally demanding and comedically challenging show has been a blast to produce with the Grayslake Central theatre students. Working on a musical that tells the story of kids following their dreams in a world that sees their interests as 'weird' has been a relatable experience for all of us. Time and again we hear that the arts are frivolous, but the lessons in determination and hard work are applicable in so many parts of life, which is just what our spellers eventually learn!"

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fri., Nov. 18; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sat., Nov. 19; and 2 p.m. Sun., Nov. 20. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is rated PG13 for some adult humor and language. Tickets can be purchased in advance at http://d127.ticketleap.com/SpellingBee or at the door and cost $10 for the general public or $8 for students/senior citizens.

Grayslake Central High School is located at 400 N. Lake Street in Grayslake, just a few blocks from downtown Grayslake, which offers several pre-theatre dining options. Ample free parking is available at the high school.

Encore! is the theatre arts group of Grayslake Central High School. Each year Encore! produces a musical, IHSA Competitive Drama and Group Interpretation, student directed One-Acts, staged radio drama, and 12 Hour Theatre experience. In addition to their on-stage work, students also take responsibility for off-stage aspects of each production including building scenery, creating costumes, designing lighting and sound, managing the box office, preparing programs, and publicizing the shows.

For more information about Encore! at Grayslake Central High School's performances of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, visit http://d127.ticketleap.com/SpellingBee.